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Chester County recognizes two important national observances every September. The month-long campaigns for
Suicide Prevention
and
Recovery
promote encouragement, empowerment and hope for individuals and families across America.
Learn more about these topics and participate in local events and celebrations throughout the month. Details are included in articles below.
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West Chester University Focuses on Mental Health
with Resident Assistant Training and a new Community Mental Health Clinic
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Pictured above, one of the four Mental Health First Aid classes of RAs at West Chester University.
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West Chester University begins the new academic year with a little stronger safety net for students who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Last month, 130 Residence Assistants (RAs), paid peer leaders in the residence halls, were certified in
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
, and a new
Community Mental Health Clinic
opened on campus.
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SAVE THE DATE!
On Thursday, October 26, West Chester University will be holding the
3rd Annual Take A Mental Health Day
, featuring nationally acclaimed speaker, Kevin Hines. More information will be included in the October issue of
Minding Your Health
.
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Suicide is the public health concern that no one likes to talk about, and it has been on the rise for the past decade. Now the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, suicide kills more Americans than car accidents. But suicide is preventable.
Chester County offers free public education programs and community events to increase literacy on the topics of mental health and suicide prevention.
QPR
(Question, Persuade, Refer) is a two-hour class on suicide prevention and
Mental Health First Aid
(MHFA) is an eight-hour training. Both of these nationally acclaimed courses are researched and found to be effective. Participants completing the courses receive certifications. General course information and how to find a class can be accessed at the links above.
On Thursday, Sept. 14, Chester County's Suicide Prevention Task Force is also partnering with East Goshen Park to hold a
Liv Live Concert
from 5:00 to 7:00 PM to increase awareness about depression and suicide. Teens and adults are welcome to come out to enjoy the music, food and prizes while hearing hopeful, informative messages. Regular updates are on the
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National Recovery Month
is something to Talk About
Individuals in recovery rely on family and community support. That fact is highlighted with This year's national theme,
Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities.
Chester County has many opportunities to learn more about Recovery throughout September, including a viewing of the film, Generation Found. For information about that free event on September 14, as well as other events and the Chester County PRO-ACT September calendar of events, go to the
Drug and Alcohol Services website
.
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We're Getting Real About
Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Join The Conversation on September 13!
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For Recovery Month 2017, join Chester County's Community Conversation about Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Recovery. The free event is being held Wednesday, September 13 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the West Chester Book Outlet in the West Goshen Shopping Center, 967 Paoli Pike in West Chester.
Click here for the flier
.
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Happy 20th Anniversary to HealthChoices Behavioral Health!
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For 20 years, HealthChoices Behavioral Health program improved the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians and saved tax dollars. Chester County's Commissioners issued a Proclamation to recognize the milestone anniversary and support the program that has transformed the behavioral health system.
Pictured above is the Proclamation presentation, held on August 15. Left to right: Commissioner Terence Farrell; Vince Brown, Director of Chester County's Drug and Alcohol Services; Donna Carlson, Deputy Administrator for Chester County Human Services; Linda Cox, Administrator for Chester County MH/IDD; Bernie Zaber, Chester County Human Services Finance Director; Kim Bowman, Director of Chester County Human Services; Commissioners
Michelle Kichline and
Kathi Cozzone.
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Save the Date - October 19 & 20, 2017
The 8th Annual Infant Mental Health Conference in Philadelphia. Registration is open!
Click
for the flier.
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Important facts to remember as students head back to school -
Mental health conditions are common among teens and young adults.
One in 5 of these young people lives with a mental health condition —
50% develop the condition by age 14 and 75% by age 24.
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Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities -
www.chesco.org/mhidd
Chester County Commissioners
Candy Craig, Deputy Administrator
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Like Chester County's Department of Human Services Facebook Page!
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