TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — The David Matthews Center for Civic Life is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping students improve their mental health.
The David Matthews Center is also known for creating discussion guides on different public issues around the state of Alabama. Representatives from the center are trying to get new information for their latest guide and stopped by Troy University for help.
Mark Wilson, a partner with the David Matthews Center facilitated the discussion between students and faculty members.
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“We’re working with the David Matthews Center on creating a community discussion guide on mental health,” Wilson said. “We’re having a conversation with students and community members today about the ways in which community members can assist each other with mental health crises, information, and advocacy.”
Among the topics of discussion were the lack of mental health facilities in the state of Alabama, whether or not people with mental health issues should be allowed to own guns, and if prescribed medication is actually doing more harm than good.
“I think it’s important as a student to always gain more insight about mental health,” student Jayden McQueen said. “Mental health awareness is increasingly becoming more apart of our lives.”
Toward the ends of the discussion, students talked about the next steps that could be taken to continue the conversation. Chauntina Whittle, a McKenzie Civic Fellow for the David Matthews Center, spoke about what she hopes students will do next.
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“I hope and the David Matthews Center hopes that they would continue the conversation,” said Whittle. “I hope they take the issue guide from today and get a group together to talk about these issues.”
The David Matthews Center hosts discussions in all of Alabama’s 67 counties and looks forward to continuing the conversation. For those who wish to be involved in a future David Matthews discussion, information on how to do so is available here.
