MY LIFE Tallahassee Youth to Host “MY Fest” Community Event to Raise Awareness About Mental Health

Joint effort between Magellan Behavioral Health of Florida, Palmer Munroe Teen Center and Children’s Home Society of Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--()--MY LIFE (Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment) Tallahassee is hosting its signature youth event, MY Fest, on Saturday, July 27 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Kleman Plaza in downtown Tallahassee. MY Fest, which is making its first appearance in Florida, is an event produced almost entirely by its youth participants, and aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma about mental health, substance abuse and foster care and juvenile justice-related issues. It features musical acts, dance performances, art exhibits, resources and information for youth and their families.

Pioneered by recognized behavioral health leader Magellan Health Services, which currently manages behavioral health care for more than 30 million individuals nationally including approximately 1 million Floridians, MY LIFE is a first-of-its-kind peer support program that is making a difference in the lives of young people. The group consists of young people between the ages of 13 and 23 who have experience with mental health, substance abuse, juvenile justice and foster care-related issues. MY LIFE gives youth the unique opportunity to share their personal stories through regular meetings, performances, special events, social media and local and national presentations.

“We started the program in Arizona in 2008, and since then, MY LIFE has provided so many meaningful opportunities for its participants to advocate for the needs of youth and families,” said Greg Dicharry, Magellan’s youth empowerment director. “The youth have also presented to more than 5,000 youth and adults across the country on the importance of engaging youth through teaching, coaching and mentoring.”

MY LIFE has received an abundance of support since coming to Florida in January 2012. The Children’s Home Society of Florida has worked closely with MY LIFE since then and is an active sponsor of the upcoming MY Fest.

“We are proud to help bring MY LIFE to Florida as we understand the many opportunities it provides for the children and teens we serve in Big Bend,” said Charles McDonald, executive director, “Many youth we serve find healing as they express themselves through song, dance, art and poetry, all of which are encouraged by the MY LIFE program.”

Any media interested in interviewing MY LIFE participants or in getting more information about the program may contact Erica Goble at (602) 284-1124 and emgoble@magellanhealth.com or Stephanie Doski at (904) 524-0040 and sbdoski@magellanhealth.com.

About Palmer Munroe Teen Center

In August 2010, the Palmer Munroe Teen Center opened its doors as the first teen center in Tallahassee, Florida. A joint venture between the City of Tallahassee, Leon County, Leon County Schools, and the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Palmer Munroe Teen Center serves as a safe, productive haven for many area youth ages 13 to 19. The Teen Center helps alleviate conflict among youth throughout the community through a teen-driven process that focuses on attractive programming, adult mentoring, educational assistance, restorative justice collaboration, and the use of cutting edge initiatives developed to engage teens through skills based training, fun and safe entertainment outlets, and community service involvement.

About Children’s Home Society of Florida

Founded in 1902, Children's Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide private non-profit provider of services to children and families in Florida and delivers a full spectrum of prevention and intervention programs. Services include foster care, adoption, child development, emergency shelters, residential group homes, independent and transitional living for teens, parent education, counseling, mentoring, treatment for developmentally disabled children, and more. Children’s Home Society of Florida, which served nearly 200,000 children and families throughout the state last year, is headquartered in Winter Park, Fla. Children’s Home Society of Florida offers services by more than 1,800 dedicated staff members in nearly 100 locations.

About Magellan Health Services

Headquartered in Avon, Conn., Magellan Health Services Inc. is a leading specialty health care management organization with expertise in managing behavioral health, radiology and specialty pharmaceuticals, as well as pharmacy benefits programs. Magellan delivers innovative solutions to improve quality outcomes and optimize the cost of care for those we serve. As of March 31, 2013, Magellan’s customers include health plans, employers and government agencies, serving approximately 33.9 million members in our behavioral health business, 17.1 million members in our radiology benefits management segment, and 7.4 million members in our medical pharmacy management product. In addition, the pharmacy solutions segment served 41 health plans and employers, 24 states and the District of Columbia, and several pharmaceutical manufacturers. For more information, visit www.MagellanHealth.com.

Contacts

Magellan Health Services
Erica Goble
602-284-1124
emgoble@magellanhealth.com
or
Stephanie Doski
904-524-0040
sbdoski@magellanhealth.com
or
Children’s Home Society of Florida-North Central Division
Charles McDonald
Executive Director
850-921-0772
Charles.mcdonald@chsfl.org
or
Palmer Munroe Teen Center
Tomica Smith
Director
850-891-2569
Tomica.Smith@talgov.com

Release Summary

MY Fest Tallahassee youth event aims to raise awareness and reduce the stigma about mental health, substance abuse and foster care and juvenile justice-related issues.

Contacts

Magellan Health Services
Erica Goble
602-284-1124
emgoble@magellanhealth.com
or
Stephanie Doski
904-524-0040
sbdoski@magellanhealth.com
or
Children’s Home Society of Florida-North Central Division
Charles McDonald
Executive Director
850-921-0772
Charles.mcdonald@chsfl.org
or
Palmer Munroe Teen Center
Tomica Smith
Director
850-891-2569
Tomica.Smith@talgov.com