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Polk County Health & Wellness Coalition hosted a successful day of Mental Health First Aid Training on January 30, equipping more than 20 local citizens with information and skills to immediately help people who are in crisis, possibly preventing suicide.

“We hosted the Mental Health First Aid Training for the community and had a wonderful turn out,” said Haley Suskauer, Coalition’s Executive Director and Polk County’s Population Health Manager. “If you’ve attended this training, you know how beneficial it is for us to have these vital skills to help combat stigma and promote wellness in our community.”

During the 8-hour training course, the participants learned a five-step action plan to identify, understand and respond to individuals who may be experiencing a behavior health challenge or crisis. Each received a Mental Health First Aid Manual and a certificate. 

“I extend a special thank you to the Polk County Mental Health Committee and the Polk County Mental Health Advisory Partners for their funding that allowed us to provide scholarships to those who needed it,” Suskauer said. The actual training was provided by Vaya Health.

Vaya Health is a public managed care organization that oversees Medicaid, federal, state and local funding for services and supports related to mental health, substance use disorder and intellectual / developmental disabilities. It operates in 22 western North Carolina counties, including Polk County.
Polk County Health & Wellness Coalition is a nonprofit agency that brings together the various health and wellness resources in Polk County. It is currently rebranding from being Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly.

For more information, please email to PolkCoalition@Gmail.com.

Submitted by Steve Wong