A three-part lecture series, "Dispelling Myths, Moving Forward: Science and Mental Health" focused on the past, present, and future of mental health care during the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. 

Executive Director Diane Kelly of Mental Health America hosts the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. The 3-part lecture series, "Dispelling Myths, Moving Forward:Science and mental Health" focused on the past,present and future of mental health care. (David Hungate for VTSOM)

Diane Kelly, executive director of Mental Health America
Diane Kelly, executive director of Mental Health America, hosts a panel discussion during the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. The three-part lecture series, "Dispelling Myths, Moving Forward: Science and Mental Health," focused on the past, present and future of mental health care.
Diane Kelly, executive director of Mental Health America (right) introduces Anders Sylvester-Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the Roanoke Rescue Mission
Diane Kelly, executive director of Mental Health America (right) introduces Anders Sylvester-Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the Roanoke Rescue Mission during the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
Jeff Leonard speaks during the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School
Jeff Leonard speaks during the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He addressed living with mental illness and his personal struggles for treatment.
The Honorable Judge Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi (right), Chief Judge of the Roanoke County General District Court, and Captain Rick Morrison of the Roanoke City Police Department
The Honorable Judge Jacqueline F. Ward Talevi (right), Chief Judge of the Roanoke County General District Court, and Captain Rick Morrison of the Roanoke City Police Department are introduced during the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.
Roanoke Rescue Mission Chief Operating Officer Anders Sylvester-Johnson
Roanoke Rescue Mission Chief Operating Officer Anders Sylvester-Johnson listens during the Spring 2016 Mini Medical School at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

The event's curriculum included topics such as mental illness treatment before 1980, evolution of the psychiatric diagnosis, and future treatments for cognitive disorders. A panel discussion on the third night featured professionals from the community talking about innovative intervention programs for the mentally ill in the Roanoke area.

The series was held in conjunction with Mental Health America of Roanoke Valley.