Mental health in our community is a growing concern. To address the concern, Sage Henderson, AmeriCorps VISTA at the Foundation, has been working with community partners in the areas of healthcare, mental health services, ministerial, as well as local schools to create programming and education in our community. Now, after exploring the issue within our community further, Sage has two events scheduled to build awareness and to develop skills to address mental health issues and all are invited to attend.

On May 3rd from 6pm-8pm at the Red Lodge High School Commons, there will be a free community panel discussion regarding mental health resources and services that are offered in Carbon County. Lanette Dalley, Social Worker at Beartooth Billings Clinic will facilitate the discussion. Come engage with a panel of experts from health, education, public safety, and spiritual services. Light refreshments will be provided by the Red Lodge High School ProStart Cooking Class.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Training for Suicide Prevention will be offered free of charge to the public on Wednesday, May 9th from 11am to 12:30pm at Beartooth Billings Clinic in the Kane Conference Room. Those that attend the training will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade and refer someone to help. Much like CPR or the Heimlich Maneuver, the fundamentals of QPR are easily learned, and the application may save a life. We highly encourage anyone and everyone in the community to attend this training as one never know when the situation may arise.

 

By engaging the community in these discussions and trainings, we hope to build awareness of the existing issues while providing tools and solutions to change lives. If you are interested in either of these opportunities or would like to learn more about the Mental Health programming at the Foundation, please contact Sage Henderson at 406.446.2820, sage@rlacf.org, or 122 S Hauser Ave.