The National Alliance on Mental Illness Hawaii in partnershipwill join with two churches will to hold a conference on "Mental Health: A Compassionate Response" from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Parish of St. Clement, 1515 Wilder Ave.

The Cathedral of St. Andrew and St. Clement are co-sponsoring the event to increase understanding about mental illness and the need for empathy among those who are in contact with the afflicted.

Registration is being accepted until Aug. 22 at info@namihawaii.org or call the National Alliance on Mental Illness office at 591-1297. Suggested donation is $10. Seating is limited to 85 people.

Dr. Denis Mee-Lee, clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Hawaii; and Jerry Coffee, clinical director of the Institute for Human Services, will be presenting an overview of mental illness and recovery.

Three breakout discussion groups will be available for sign-up the day of the conference. Presenters include Gloria Zane, former Family Court social worker; Phil Enomoto, emergency registered nurse; and a National Alliance on Mental Illness Family Support Group facilitator.

Other participants include the Rev. Alison M. Dingley, retired Episcopal priest and former Institute for Human Services shelter manager; and Kumi Macdonald, National Alliance on Mental Illness Hawaii executive director and former ministry director of Honolulu Christian Church.