Prevention Education
What Is It?
Mental Health Prevention Education and Awareness was identified by Healthy Carolinians, community members and stakeholders as an action, that when combined with other actions in our community, has a reasonable chance of making a difference in poor mental health status in our community. This is a new program in our community.
Mental Health Prevention Education and Awareness is a new project for Healthy Carolinians of Jackson County. New interventions are needed and will be researched. The priority population/customers for this project are Jackson County residents of all ages and socioeconomic status, and the project aims to make a difference at the individual/interpersonal behavior and environmental change level. Implementation will take place in local social media, news, newsletter, radio, and word of mouth form. An example of one of the events that fits within this project is the Climb Out of the Darkness Postpartum Disorder Awareness Event. The event aims to raise awareness about postpartum mood disorders and encourage mothers and families to seek help. On the environmental change level, we seek to make a difference with employers about their employee's mental health needs.
This project will address health disparities. As we are in a rural setting, it will impact rural residents who have low access to mental health care and treatment. We will also research and utilize specific awareness information and campaigns for racial and ethnic minorities, sexual identity and orientation, and disability status or health care needs.
Partners
The partners for this project include:
|
Agency |
Person |
Role |
| Jackson County Department of Public Health | Janelle Messer & Anna Lippard & Cassie Rogers |
Janelle - Lead, Collaborate, Support Anna - Assist with social media and news outlets Cassie - Provide information to child care centers and low income families via newsletters and printed materials |
| Region A Partnership for Children | Jody Miller |
Collaborate and Support; Share information with families who have children with disabilities |
| Center for Domestic Peace | Marissa O'Brien |
Collaborate and Support; Share information with families and individuals experiencing domestic violence |
| Jackson County Public Library | Tracy Fitzmaurice | Collaborate and Support; Promote information within the library network |
| Jackson County Public Schools | Laura Cabe & Meagan Crews | Both will collaborate and support; Laura will share information with the School Health Advisory Council and School District; Meagan will share information with clients and families. Meagan will lead efforts such as the Climb Out of the Darkness Postpartum Disorders Awareness Event. |
| Harris Regional Hospital & Western Carolina University | Chelsea Burrell | Lead, Collaborate, and Support; Share information with Hospital and University networks. |
| Nurse-Family Partnership | Vicki Lewis | Collaborate and Support; Share information with clients who are young, first-time mothers. |
Progress in 2023
The first ever Music for Mental Health Awareness and fundraising event was held in July 2023. This event was created and hosted by a family member of a relative who attempted sucide. They saw the importance of creating awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health. The event took place over 2 days at a local restaurant show casing local muscians and various mental health organizations and resources. There were over 100 people in attendance at the multi- day event recieving resources.
Measures
Period
Trend
% Change
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