In an effort to address the growing need for mental health support in Benton and Franklin Counties, Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) Tri-Cities is expanding its free mental health first aid training program. The initiative, which has gained significant popularity in recent years, is being bolstered by a recent $7,500 grant awarded during the 3 Rivers Community Foundation’s Celebration of Philanthropy.
The grant will help LCSNW increase the availability of their mental health first aid training, empowering community members with the knowledge and skills to respond to those experiencing mental health crises. This program provides essential education on how to support individuals in distress and help guide them toward professional assistance when needed.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental health first aid is a course designed to equip participants with the tools needed to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges. By learning key skills, individuals can become an important support system for friends, family, coworkers, and community members. The training focuses on helping people recognize signs and symptoms of mental health issues, providing initial support, and guiding individuals to appropriate resources.
Sharon Gentry, a certified mental health first aid trainer and district director with LCSNW Tri-Cities, explains, “You can sit with them, you can respond to them, and you can help them get assistance from professional help, and you can know how to support them in a way that can walk them through what they’re experiencing.”
The program is not just for those who may be experiencing mental health issues themselves but is intended for anyone who may be in a position to support someone else in a mental health crisis. Coaches, teachers, faith community leaders, neighbors, and even family members are encouraged to take the course to better equip themselves to help others.
Expanding Training Capacity
With the support of the grant, LCSNW plans to send two of its staff members to receive advanced training, enabling them to offer more sessions to the community. This expansion will allow for greater access to the program, benefiting more people in need of mental health support.
The grant from the 3 Rivers Community Foundation will play a pivotal role in this expansion. The foundation has been a key supporter of local nonprofit organizations in Benton and Franklin Counties for 25 years, helping initiatives like LCSNW’s mental health first aid program reach more community members.
Impact on the Community
The mental health first aid program is having a profound impact on those who participate, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health issues and creating a more supportive environment within the community. As Sharon Gentry notes, the program isn’t just about professional help—it’s about the power of community support. “You don’t have to be a superhero to try to support and be a friend,” she said.
The broader goal is to create a network of well-informed, compassionate individuals who can intervene early when someone is struggling with their mental health. By equipping local residents with these life-changing skills, LCSNW is contributing to a more resilient and mentally healthy community.
About Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Lutheran Community Services Northwest is dedicated to serving individuals and families across the region through various programs, including aging and independent living, behavioral health, child welfare, crime victim services, family and community support, refugee and immigrant services, and restorative justice. With a rich history of over two decades of service, the organization continues to make a significant impact on the lives of those it serves.
Sharon Gentry, who has been with the organization for 21 years, expressed deep appreciation for the support provided by the 3 Rivers Community Foundation. Reflecting on her own early experiences, Gentry recalled applying for a grant early in her career, highlighting the foundation’s enduring role in strengthening local nonprofits.
Looking Ahead
The expansion of mental health first aid training through this new grant marks an important step in addressing the mental health needs of the Tri-Cities region. As the program grows, LCSNW aims to train even more community members, ultimately building a more supportive environment for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
With the help of the 3 Rivers Community Foundation and continued community engagement, LCSNW is making strides toward ensuring that every person has access to the mental health support they need. By fostering greater awareness and understanding of mental health, LCSNW is helping create a more compassionate and responsive community for years to come.
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