Gulf Coast Live!

Wednesday, 15 May 2013

The use of Art Therapy in the treatment of mental health issues stretches back nearly a century, yet this is still considered an emerging field in mental health treatment.  As May marks Mental Health Awareness month, we’ll explore art therapy’s myriad uses in everything from managing symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease to providing an expressive outlet for children on the Autism Spectrum and even helping victims overcome trauma.  We’ll talk with experts from the Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida and Delta Family Counseling in Cape Coral ahead of their Art Therapy Workshop later this month at the Lee County Alliance for the Arts.

The South Florida Water Management District, which overseas water resources stretching from Orlando to the Florida Keys, has increased its representation from Southwest Florida.  District leaders say the SFWMD fared well in the recently concluded state Legislative Session with $70 million allocated for Everglades restoration.  From shovel ready restoration projects in Southwest Florida to preparing for the upcoming Atlantic storm season, we’ll take a closer look at challenges and opportunities facing the SFWMD with its new Chief of Staff Dan Delisi, new Governing Board member Mitch Hutchcraft and Intergovernmental Representative Philip Flood.