NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 26, 2016
CONTACT: Mary Bridget Lawson
218-726-2140 (office) • 218-393-9592 (cell)
"The Losses and Laughter We Grow Into" is the theme of 2016 Health and Human Service Conference
An award-winning playwright and storyteller, and a local musician who gained national recognition for winning the NPR Tiny Desk Contest will headline the opening ceremony at the 34th annual St. Louis County Health and Human Service Conference, October 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon in the DECC Symphony Hall.
Kevin Kling is a Minnesota native perhaps best known for his commentaries on National Public Radio's All Things Considered. His keynote speech follows the conference theme, The Losses and Laughter We Grow Into. Kling was born with a congenital birth defect, and then injured himself in a motorcycle accident that left him with additional disabilities. With both humor and touching sincerity, he will share perspectives on living with a disability.
Gaelynn Lea is a Duluth musician and public speaker who recently won the NPR Tiny Desk Contest. A classically trained violinist who turned to traditional Celtic and American fiddle tunes, Lea will provide a musical welcome at the beginning of the keynote presentation.
The two-day Health and Human Service Conference runs October 13 and 14, at the DECC, and offers 106 workshops, 16 institutes and 150 exhibits. Workshop topics this year will include healing wounds caused by chemical dependency, helping children who are victims of trauma, and more than 20 sessions addressing issues of diversity and inclusion.
The online preregistration deadline is Friday, October 7. Walk-in registration is available on both days of the conference; credit card, cash or check will be accepted. The registration fee is $50. For students and seniors age 62 and older, the fee is $40. St Louis County foster parents get a reduced rate of $25.
The St. Louis County Health and Human Services Conference is the second largest in the state for health and human services professionals, offering valuable opportunities for networking, sharing of innovative ideas and strengthening services provided. In addition to St. Louis County, which sponsors the annual conference, more than 60 community organizations contribute to the conference’s success as co-sponsors.
For more information about the St. Louis County Health and Human Service Conference or to
view the conference brochure, visit stlouiscountymn.gov/hhsconference.
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 Kevin Kling, an author, playwright and storyteller whose commentaries can be heard on NPR's All Things Considered, will deliver the keynote address The Losses and Laughter We Grow Into during the 34th annual St. Louis County Health and Human Service Conference.
 Duluth musician Gaelynn Lee will provide the music during the opening ceremony at the 34th annual St. Louis County Health and Human Service Conference.
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