May Proclaimed as Mental Health First Aid Month

At the Monday, May 9th meeting, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2022-101 proclaiming May 2022 as Mental Health First Aid Month in Nassau County, Florida. 

The Mental Health First Aid Act of 2015 and the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016 speaks volumes as to the importance of mental health first aid in our Country. This month, residents are encouraged to increase their knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of mental illness and substance use disorders in both children and adults. 

Katrina Robinson-Wheeler, Director of Community Outreach and Education for Starting Point, was in attendance to accept the Resolution. She also showed a brief video that demonstrates how some people have difficulty having an honest conversation about mental health and are unsure how to help someone who is struggling. Simply asking questions or listening can help someone tremendously. Take a moment to watch the video linked below and learn more about how to respond when someone tells you they're not okay. 

Lastly, know that there are many resources available to you, should you need them. Ask your employer if they have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) or talk to your primary care provider for a referral. National Resources include the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention; National Alliance for the Mentally Ill; National Institute of Mental Health; National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; Start Your Recovery; and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Additional information on these resources can be found on Starting Point's website.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer