Winona, Minn. – Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center’s (HVMHC) Child Therapy room received a much-needed makeover thanks to funds from the 2023 Storm the Farm Trail Race Series, one of the four races making up The Storm Tail Race Series.
“The entire room was furnished and painted with the funds donated by the 2023 Storm the Farm trail race,” said Erik Sievers, Executive Director of HVMHC. “We partnered with Sarah Johnson of “Joy Labs,” who created the artwork and painted the walls.”
The child therapy room is used for child/therapist interaction, but the room is often used for Parent Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT.
“Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems and mental health problems. This type of therapy combines play therapy and behavioral therapy together. Caregivers learn and practice new skills and techniques to assist the child with emotional or behavior problems and mental health disorders,” said Emily Erickson, a School linked and Outpatient Mental Health Therapist for HVMHC.
“PCIT is done with the caregiver and child in one room while the therapist observes and coaches from an adjacent room equipped with a one-way mirror. The therapist communicates with the caregiver to provide training and guidance through earphones,” continued Erickson.
Proceeds from the Storm the Farm event have been donated annually to HVMHC. Storm the Farm is one of the four races making up The Storm Trail Race Series, with proceeds of all The Storm Trail Race Series going back to support mental health awareness or mental health organizations with an emphasis on children’s mental health.
The 2024 Storm the Farm event will be held in Winona on Saturday July 20, 2024, with proceeds going back to HVMHC. “Proceeds from this year’s race have been designated to support programming for HVMHC’s school based mental health programs,” said Sievers. To sign up for the race or learn more about The Storm Trail Race Series visit them at: https://www.stormsportingevents.org/tstrs
Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (HVMHC) has been a trusted provider of mental health and substance use services in Southeastern Minnesota since 1965. HVMHC is a regional leader in providing exceptional, responsive, consumer focused behavioral health services. Today, HVMHC provides a diverse array of services and support designed to meet people where they are at in their recovery journey.
HVMHC’s combination of housing programming for adults, clinic-based services including therapy, psychiatry, counseling, as well as community-based services including case management, skills services, and school based mental health services are uniquely provided by HVMHC across the region. HVMHC serves Goodhue, Wabasha, Winona, Houston, and Fillmore Counties in Southeast Minnesota.
If you would like additional information on HVMHC and the services they provide, please go to www.hvmhc.org or call 1-800-657-6777. If you or someone you care for is struggling with their mental health and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available 24/7 through the 988 National Crisis Line or by dialing 1-844-274-7427.
