By Craig Anderson

MIDDLETOWN — Having conversations about mental health is the focus of a weeklong series of gatherings being hosted by a local sorority chapter.

The Alpha Alpha Tau Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority has organized the initiative.

Monday’s session, at the MOT Jean Birch Senior Center, was the start of the “Breaking the Stigma, Building Understanding” presentations.

During the meeting, social workers Sheneen Brown and Stephanie Witsch of the New Castle-based Bridge Clinic offered a look at mental health-related issues to an audience of nearly 50.

Before they began, Ms. Brown said, “The event is very important in identifying the need for mental health in all groups but especially in this (senior citizen) group because we’re seeing higher percentages of depression ... in this group specifically.

“We want to provide resources, and I do feel like it is a population that does get underserved in our field. We want to make sure we’re offering those resources and making people aware that there are tons of great resources that aren’t being utilized, and we have a fear that these services are not going to be utilized.”

Pat Augustus Gilbert of Alpha Alpha Tau Omega said she could relate to the need.

“Mental health is such a prevalent part of society,” she said. “Mental health awareness is so needed, and as seniors begin to age and lose their friends (and) their spouses, they begin to feel isolated, they begin to feel lonely, and signs of depression will come up, and that could lead to other episodes of mental health conditions.”

She added that awareness of helpful programs is key.

“We just feel that the seniors really need to be exposed to information and let them know that there are resources to have. We don’t want them to see it as a stigma but instead know help is available,” Ms. Gilbert said.

Later Monday, a “Bringing Wellness to Our Families and Community” workshop was set at Odessa High School.

Events continue Tuesday at 6 p.m., with a “Women Leading the Mental Health Conversation” gathering at Appoquinimink Community Library in Middletown. It will feature state Sen. Marie Pinkney and focus on a letter-writing campaign to legislators.

Then, on Wednesday at 7 p.m., a virtual men’s mental health forum with the Rev. Jermaine Alberty will take place.

To wrap up the week, a fellowship gathering will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday at Living Grace Worship Cathedral at 100 W. Green St. in Middletown.

According to a news release, Alpha Alpha Tau Omega serves Middletown, Odessa and Townsend and is preparing for its third anniversary.

“The chapter has partnered with local municipalities, organizations, and individuals to provide community outreach and services to the residents of the M.O.T. area,” the release reads.

“Our initiatives have included: Mental Health Awareness, conducting Health Fairs, awarding scholarships, donating food baskets to families at elementary schools, establishing the Youth Leadership Institute, a free youth-led and highly interactive leadership development program designed to empower and engage youth ages 11-13, volunteering at ... non-profits, including at Our Daily Bread (in Middletown).”

For information, visit aatodeaka.org.