Invest Hamilton County is launching a series of employer mental health education events in collaboration with the OneZone, Noblesville and Westfield Chambers of Commerce. This series is made possible through support from the Hamilton County Council and Commissioners, via County ARPA funding, and support from Hamilton County Community Foundation.
Nation
“We know that if done right, the workplace can be the most effective referral to care for individuals struggling with mental health,” said County Councilor Steven Nation. “Education like this helps us take another step forward in combating the mental health challenges in our community and helps address the critical labor shortages being faced by businesses.”
According to Mental Health America, one in five American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. Through Mental Health First Aid, Hamilton County employers can now provide adequate mental health resources to their employees.
Mental Health First Aid is a one-day course designed to teach employers to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses. The upcoming event on April 19 will be the second in a series hosted by the local chambers.
“I would recommend this training for those that need that extra boost of confidence to be able to assist and help someone with any mental illness or even to understand the resources available,” said Christina Stenske, a Human Resources Administrator at Metroplastics, who attended the first Mental Health First Aid training. “Listening and communication are wonderful tools when we put them together, we can better support each other. This training provides the proof that we all need a little help sometimes.”
The training is being conducted by trainers from Mental Health America of Indiana (MHAI).
Heirbrandt
“The pandemic has exacerbated the mental health challenges being faced by members of our community,” said County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt. “If our neighbors and coworkers struggling with their mental health are able to retain employment while getting the help they need, they are more likely to stay connected to their support networks and less likely to fall through the cracks.”
The next session presented by Invest Hamilton County and the local chambers will be held Tuesday, April 19 at the Bridgewater Country Club. Registration is available online through the OneZone Chamber, Noblesville Chamber and Westfield Chamber websites. Sessions will also occur on Aug. 16 and Nov. 15 in 2022.