Mental Health Ministry

“Awakening Faith Communities to Address Addiction”

Guest Speaker Pastor Ed Treat, Executive Director and Founder at the Center of Addiction and Faith

Thursday, September 29

Wakefield Chapel, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Accidental drug overdose is currently the leading cause of death in the United States for those under 50. Drug overdose deaths now exceed those attributable to firearms, car accidents, homicides, or HIV/AIDS. Two times as many Americans died from an accidental drug overdose in 2021 alone than died in the entire Vietnam War.

Faith communities could play an important role in changing this narrative, but few of them do much about it. Pastor Ed Treat wants to change that. Pastor Treat is the founder of the Center of Addiction & Faith and is working to “Awaken Faith Communities to Address Addiction.” Come hear his story of how he is working to help faith communities save lives and bring healing and hope to those afflicted.

The Center of Addiction & Faith is a God-inspired movement to open the hearts and minds of faith communities to better understand the spread of addiction, it’s consequences and how to respond. They are committed to bringing spiritual leaders together, to learn about addiction and how to better address the spiritual needs of those affected.

Rev. Dr. Ed Treat has a Master of Divinity and a Doctorate in Ministry from Luther Seminary and has been a parish pastor for 25 years.. He has ben blessed to have 24 years of recovery from addiction.

Living with mental health concerns can be tough. Finding help can be even tougher. Our Navigators can assist in making the right connections. Mental Health Connect provides community-based resources, support and education to improve access to mental health services and to connect individuals and families with the services they need.

Wayzata Community Church holds a membership in Mental Health Connect (MHC), which works collaboratively with a network of 26 local churches to deliver comprehensive resource information and mental health navigation. MHC is an interfaith, non-profit organization that provides mental health and substance use support and resources for members of the community.

NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.