Aspirus Health North WI Division (Howard Young Medical Center, Woodruff; Aspirus Eagle River Hospital, Eagle River; Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, Rhinelander; Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital, Tomahawk

Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health hosted the Frank B. Koller Biennial Mental Health Summit which focused on LGBTQ+ topics on May 19 at Lake of the Torches Convention Center in Lac du Flambeau. The event was free and drew over 65 professionals and community members from across the region.
 
This year’s focus for the summit was LGBTQ+ to discuss current legislations, lived experience, advocacy in the field with a special focus on the resources available to those who live, work, and identify as LGBTQ in Northern Wisconsin.
 
Attendees had the opportunity to listen to presentations from local and national speakers. Kellie Maloney (she/her), boxing legend and LGBTQ+ advocate was the keynote speaker for the event. Kellie has an influential career in the spotlight. She was formerly known as boxing promoter Frank Maloney for world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis. Kellie’s high-profile transition has seen her become a role model for the LGBT + community and an award-winning advocate. Kellie spoke on the topic of self-empowerment, authenticity and overcoming adversity.
 
The Mental Health Summit also featured The Trevor Project, Ally Training with speaker Keygan Miller (they/them), Director of Public Training from the Trevor project. Keygan provided the audience with an interactive training called Ally interactive. The Trevor project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ young people.
               
“We were honored to share these inspirational speakers with our community,” said Heidi Pritzl, MSW, LCSW, counselor and clinical therapist, Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health. “This event was well received by our community and helped to remind us of the importance of kindness toward all.”
 
The Frank B. Koller Mental Health Summit is held every two years by Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health employees. For more information about Aspirus Koller Behavioral Health, please visit aspirus.org.