Belly of the Whale Conference - Galveston Island

Organizations Host a Conference on Mental Health and Overdose Crisis

Non-profits, mental health organizations, and recovery coalitions are collaborating to encourage important dialogue about diversity when dealing with overdose, substance use disorder, and spiritual and mental wellness.

Galveston Island, TX. (April 18, 2024) — The Belly of the Whale Mental Health Conference will take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the Moody Methodist Church on Galveston Island. This event is a collaboration between the Spiritual Care Network, ADA Women’s Center, and Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) with other local nonprofit organizations. The annual event is open to the community, mental health professionals, and faith leaders.

Expert speakers will cover topics on cultural and spiritual diversity, overdose prevention with Narcan, and how to find the appropriate help. A discussion panel of members representing spiritual diversity will discuss issues and solutions in their congregations.

Conference co-chairs are Kimberly Beaty, LCSW-S, and Jacqueline Martinez RN, RSPS. Martinez serves on the HOPE Drug Court of Galveston County and is a leader of the Spiritual Care Network and ROSC Galveston County.  Beaty serves as the Executive Director for the ADA Women‘s Center in Galveston.

“This unique event is an opportunity for healthcare professionals, concerned community members, public officials, and churches  to come together about these crises in our community and take a look at how diversity plays a role in prevention and treatment,” said Eric Ayles, President of the Spiritual Care Network, the nonprofit charity that is organizing the event.

The conference is an invaluable platform for connecting individuals in the community with services. Guests will be able to visit resource tables with representatives from nonprofit organizations, treatment centers, counselors, hospitals, and other community services, and resources. Mental Health professionals will be able to receive continuing education credit for attending including credit for ethics and diversity. Sponsorship information is posted on the registration page.

The Belly of the Whale Conference provides materials and education to Galveston County's collective efforts to come together and collaborate to help those struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues.

“These debilitating illnesses do not discriminate, and by the Grace of God, it's vital to provide everyone with access to the necessary resources and support they need to heal spiritually and mentally. This Annual Conference provides an excellent opportunity to promote spiritual and mental wellness, raise awareness, and offer assistance to those in need.  It's a day of hope that made a significant impact on the community in 2024 and I believe it will further support those seeking and providing services that foster wellness." said Martinez.

To register or see the full schedule, visit https://www.spiritualcarenet.org/event-details/belly-of-the-whale--galveston-24

WHEN: Thursday, April 18, 2024, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

WHERE: Moody Methodist Church, 2803 53rd St, Galveston, TX 77551

CONTACT: Jacqueline Martinez at SCNjacqueline@gmail.com