Meridian celebrates a successful Mental Health Awareness month

As Mental Health Awareness month draws to an end, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. has announced that, with the help of the community, they have funded and facilitated four complimentary Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses.

Meridian kicked off their Mental Health First Aid Drive in March with a goal of funding and facilitating 20 MHFA courses, free of charge, to the community throughout the year of 2017. Meridian will continue their efforts to reach their goal of offering 20 MHFA courses, potentially equipping 500 community members with the life-saving skill of MHFA.

“Funding and education for Mental Health is a tremendous need in our community” said Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Advancement, Laurie Michaelson. “More and More our community has started to combat the stigma by speaking out and advocating for Mental Health awareness.”

“Sponsoring a MHFA class helps generate positive impact almost instantly,” she said.

During Mental Health Awareness month, Meridian, in collaboration with local parents, community organizations and Eastside High School; participated in two adolescent panels focusing on responding to bullying, depression, anxiety and suicide.

These panels were organized to express the need to equip parents, teens and their peers with the tools necessary to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and how to respond.

Suicide is currently the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24; with more than 5,000 suicide attempts occurring daily among students in grades 7-12.

If interested in learning more about MHFA or sponsoring a course, please contact Dr. Joe Munson at [email protected] or at 352-374-5600.

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