Approximately 54 million people in the US suffer with mental illness. The number one reason for hospital admissions nationwide is psychiatric disorder, according to the Foundation of Hope for the Research and Treatment of Mental Illness. 

Andy Hagler is the executive director of the Mental Health Association in Forsyth County.  He says one in four adults and one in five children suffer from mental illness in the Triad community.  Hagler spoke with WFDD's Keri Brown about a community event Tuesday night in Winston-Salem, which will help raise awareness and provide education about the illness.

The program called "Mental Health as a Public Health Issue", will take place Tuesday, February 26, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 520 Summit Street in Winston-Salem.

To hear more about the event: