Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines is bringing in six-time Academy Award nominee, Glenn Close, for an event in May on dealing with mental illness. Broadlawns vice president, Mikki Stier, says the appearance by Close is part of what they call the “Me-Series,” which seeks to address particular needs in the community.

“One of the biggest issues with mental health care is getting out there and talking about mental health care. The fact that we have limited access, that there’s not enough providers in our community,” Stier says.

Close has starred in movies like “Fatal Attraction,” “The Natural” and “101 Dalmatians.” Stier says Close has a sister who has dealt with mental health issues,and started a foundation “Bring-Change-2-Mind” that seeks to bring awareness to mental health issues.

The May 15th event in Des Moines will include other speakers, an expo, and then Close’s keynote address. “The event where we have Glenn Close, the tickets will go from 25 to 50 to 100 dollars. And the second component, the community speakers and expo will be free to the public,” Stier says.

The 2,500 tickets for Close’s appearance will be available beginning Monday (March 31) on-line at: www.BroadlawnsAdvocateCircle.org.  The Broadlawns ME-Series is part of the State of Iowa’s Healthiest State initiative.