Description

Virtual Event | Helping People Get Through the Stress featuring Dr. Richard Whitaker of Vera French

Friday, May 22, 2020 | 10 - 10:30 a.m. 
Zoom Meeting | Register to receive meeting link 
  
Many people are experiencing mental health issues for the first time as everything is changing due to COVID-19. Vera French CEO, Richard K. Whitaker, Jr., Ph.D., breaks down the signs of stress and provides four everyday ways to reduce stress.
 
Key Takeaways:

• We all experience stress – it’s normal, and with the state of the pandemic constantly changing, there are many anxiety-inducing unknowns. 
• Understanding the signs of stress (disrupted diet, disrupted sleep, trouble with emotions/concentration, and disrupted relationships) can be the first step to managing stress levels.
• There are important things you can do every day to reduce stress including: taking care of your body, protecting your sleep, sharing your feelings, and focusing on what you CAN control.
• If you are struggling, reach out. There are a variety of resources available in our area to help in crisis.

Richard K. Whitaker, Jr., Ph.D., CEO | Vera French 
Richard Whitaker began his career in the Quad Cities 24 years ago as a doctoral intern at the historic Marriage and Family Counseling Service in Rock Island, Illinois, prior to receiving his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University in 1995. Since that pivotal year, Rich has pursued a career in community mental health, providing therapy services, supervision, and executive administration at community mental health centers in Grand Island, Nebraska (9 years) and Jasper, Indiana (12 years as CFO).  Since January 2017, Rich has served as the CEO of Vera French Community Mental Health Center in Davenport, Iowa.  Rich also serves as a Governor-appointed  commissioner for the Iowa MHDS Commission, as a board member for the Iowa Association of Community Providers, as a member of the Eastern Iowa MHDS Regional Advisory Committee, and as the Innovation Team Lead for the Quad Cities Behavioral Health Coalition.  
 
The Quad Cities Chamber is waiving the event fee for this webinar.