Northeast Ohio Regional Library System - Event Information
Event Name:
Compassionate Collaborations: Innovative Library Programs and Partnerships Around Mental Health
Competency:
Community Awareness and Customer Service
Description:
Learn what libraries big and small around the country are doing to meet the needs of those who fall through the cracks of our mental health systems. Attendees will learn best practices in partnerships by hearing about existing partnerships. Learn how to share resources with those in need, hear success stories of libraries with embedded social workers, and examine the challenges inherent in starting these types of programs.
Presenters: Josh Berk is the Executive Director of the Bethlehem Area Public Library. A library professional for over 20 years, he authored "Mental Health Training in Public Libraries" (Public Libraries Magazine), developed the curriculum for the Infopeople course "Serving People with Mental Health Challenges at Your Library," and is a past director-at-large of the Pennsylvania Library Association. He holds an MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh and has published several books for children and young adults.
Kelly Berk (MPH, BSN, RN) is the Network Director of Maternal Child Health Initiatives at St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA where she oversees the Nurse Family Partnership and VNAC (Visiting Nurse Advocate for the County) programs. She is also an adjunct faculty in Health Sciences at Cedar Crest College and is a passionate advocate for the health and well-being of women, infants, children and families.