Originally published: December 1, 2022
‘This can help people and save lives’: United Way of the Midlands campaign for mental health
OMAHA, Neb. —
The United Way of the Midlands kicked off a new campaign Wednesday, offering people in the community ‘mental health first aid training’.
It’s a free one-class training and will be something that will be held in the community at different times and dates.
The United Way of the Midlands hopes to help reduce the stigma about asking for mental help.
“Learn the signs, start the conversation”. That is the message from the United Way of the Midlands through its new campaign focused on mental health.
“We hope that people aren’t afraid to raise their hand, and come out. And if people aren’t feeling just right that they act sooner,” said Matt Wallen.
According to United Way of the Midlands, one in three people in the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro experience symptoms of chronic depression.
And the pandemic has not made things any easier.
“We know coming out of the pandemic that there has been a large number of people that are struggling with mental health. And so our Women United group wanted to dive into that issue and provide some additional support,” said CEO Shawna Forsberg.
To do that, they’re teaming up with Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare.
“It’s been available through Region 6 for some time. But there weren’t very many people aware of it,” Forsberg said.
Evidence-based training will help people notice the signs and symptoms of mental illness.
They’ll learn how to assess the risk, listen without judgement, give reassurance and encourage people in crisis to seek professional help.
“We really do believe that this can help people and actually can save lives,” Forsberg said.
You can sign up individually or in groups.
You can do that by calling the United Way at 211, or by going to their website.