As the sun set over the Gulf, the more than 100 people on board the Naples Princess did much more than admire the vibrant, pink, orange and yellow colors filling the horizon. They vowed to become or remain advocates for mental health, supporting critical programs in place for David Lawrence Centers for Behavioral Health. This growing support from all sectors of the community is especially important as Collier County and the entirety of the state of Florida, along with the nation, face ongoing mental health crisis.
Jack Hellmer, chairman of the David Lawrence Center Advocates, said one program dear to him and the community is Mental Health First Aid and similar tiers of such programming. Mental Health First Aid is created to teach community members how to identify and support children and adults experiencing mental health crisis and challenges. The free training had been funded for the past four years by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. But that federal grant has ended, leaving the program in limbo without other funding sources. MHFA has been offered throughout the U.S. and locally, promoting public conversations and trainings about topics often shielded from the public eye—from suicide and delusions to trauma and abuse. A member of the community can learn how to be of aid until a professional is available, if needed.
Keeping Mental Health First Aid training afloat
Now that program can continue due to the 13th annual cruise for mental health held Wednesday, May 13 by David Lawrence Centers. So, anybody in the community can get Mental Health First Training at no cost. This helps individuals recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges and offers information and practice on how to ask the otherwise tough questions, bringing a person in need toward care, and learning when that’s most appropriate. The training helps people become a bridge for support.
The mental health cruise had a modest financial goal of raising $5,000 for the evening in May. Instead, the fundraiser buoyed by the water brought in $15,000. Money was raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and raffle tickets. Many people signed their first commitment to being an ally—or mental health advocate, donating money, time and their hearts, minds and lives to the benefit of community mental wellbeing…