Mental Health Deep Dive Day

Join LEAD United for a full-day deep dive into the realities of mental health in the Fox Cities.

Mental health challenges can feel isolating - and stigma, waitlists, cost, and other barriers can prevent people from accessing support. This deep dive is an opportunity to understand what’s really happening in the Fox Cities.

Throughout the day, we’ll hear real experiences through a Living Library, uncover what the data is telling us, and learn about resources helping people get the care they need.

Please note: The Deep Dive involves travel between two Appleton locations. Lunch will be provided.

What’s a Living Library?

In a Living Library, the “books” are people who make themselves available for a conversation with the “readers”. “Books” are individuals with lived experience related to the topic who agree to share their personal stories and insights. The main goal is to create constructive, personal, and trustful dialogue and help us all understand challenges from a different perspective.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Schedule at a glance:

8:00 - 8:10 Welcome

8:10 - 8:40 Language Matters - how simple changes in the words we use can reduce stigma and encourage understanding

8:40 - 9:40 | Step into the Data - a look at local needs

9:40 - 10:00 | Break

10:00 - 11:45 | Living Library

11:45 - 12:30 | Lunch

12:30 - 1:15 | Catalpa Health - hear about current challenges and barriers in child & adolescent mental health care

1:15 - 1:45 | Travel

1:45 - 2:30 | Tour Iris Place - a free, home-like peer respite for adults

2:30 - 3:00 | Wrap Up