The theme of the 14 ^th annual mental health Chicago-area conference to honor Naomi Ruth Cohen is “Understanding and Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Illness.” The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue, in Evanston.

The conference for professionals and lay people alike is underwritten by the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute (NRCI) at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and is sponsored in part by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago and its affiliates, CJE SeniorLife, Jewish Child and Family Services, Jewish Vocational Services, and The Ark.

Experts say progress against the stigma has been made, but the road ahead is still long. “We have a responsibility to redirect our conversations and actions toward promoting well-being instead of reinforcing the stigma that prevents so many from seeking the mental health treatment they need and deserve,” said Michele Nealon-Woods, Chicago School of Professional Psychology President. “With raised awareness of mental health issues, we have opened the doors to treatment for a vastly underserved segment of our population.

Larry and Marilyn Cohen, Naomi Ruth Cohen’s parents, founded the institute after their daughter, who suffered from bipolar disorder took her life. The Institute’s goal was to combat the stigma of mental illness which Naomi had frequently experienced.

One of the speakers at the conference is former Bolingbrook Police Commander Chris Prochut-partner of Drew Peterson, imprisoned for killing his third wife, Kathleen Savio, and suspected in the disappearance of his fourth wife-left the Bolingbrook force due to stress. He now lectures on mental health awareness and trains police on suicide prevention.

Dr. Michael Horowitz, President of TCS Education System, will moderate the conference.

The 18 break-outs sessions include: Parenting a Child with Mental Illness; Social Stigma Associated with the LGBT Communities; Promoting Workplace Mental Health; Celebrating Recovery from Stigma of Substance Abuse; Differing Cultural Views of Mental Illness; and Responders and Military Families Dealing with Stigma.

For the first time this year, continuing education credits are offered for psychologists as well as CEU’s and IAODAPCA CEU’s. The cost of the conference is $50 ($55 after May 20) Full scholarships are available. For further information call (312) 467-2552 or visit www.naomicoheninstitute.org