Oak Park, IL - Academy and Emmy award nominated actress Mariel Hemingway is teaming up with PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) to focus attention on behavioral health issues. Hemingway will be the keynote speaker at PCC’s fifth annual Gala at Oak Brook Hills Resort on October 11. PCC and Hemingway aim to increase awareness of the enormous impact behavioral health issues have on underserved communities.

PCC has consistently been at the forefront of efforts to both reduce the stigma of seeking behavioral health treatment and to provide access to affordable, quality care. To this end, PCC has integrated its behavioral health program with its primary health care treatment services. By having mental health professionals on the front lines delivering consultative behavioral healthcare alongside physicians who are providing primary care, PCC has been able to provide coordinated care to patients identified as needing this type service.

Hemingway is a natural partner for the health organization. For decades, the renowned actress and writer has been an advocate for mental health related matters, recently co-executive producing the Emmy award nominated, documentary, “Running From Crazy” with Oprah Winfrey. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and Hemingway received a humanitarian award from the San Diego Film Festival for her work. “We’re excited to have Hemingway support our organization’s effort to educate the public on behavioral health,” stated Robert Urso, PCC’s President & CEO. “Mariel’s connection to Oak Park through her grandfather, Ernest Hemingway, will resonate with our service area, which includes Oak Park and surrounding neighborhoods.”

In addition to speaking at the Gala, Hemingway will also host a half hour-long reception prior to the event.

Tickets for the Gala and more information are available online at PCCWellness.org. Interested parties who cannot attend the event are invited to make a donation or participate in the event raffle and auction.