Newport Mental Health and the Newport County YMCA are striving to create more awareness about mental health conditions and treatment by holding a series of programs for YMCA members and the general public beginning in May.
The following are events to be held at the YMCA:
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May 4: 6:15: Wellness Workshop for YMCA swim and gymnastics teams.
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May 14: 8 a.m. Forum and Coffee with RI Behavioral Health Executive Director Becky Boss (BHDDH). General public is invited to ask questions about mental health programs, services and policies on Aquidneck Island. FREE and OPEN TO PUBLIC
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Ongoing: mental health training for YMCA staff
“We’re hoping to get as many people as possible more informed about mental health signs and symptoms, and basic mental health first aid knowledge,” said NMH Chief Executive Officer and President Jamie Lehane.
“The more we communicate and educate, the better the chances will be of someone getting treatment earlier.” He noted that the average time from when someone first experiences mental health symptoms to the time the person receives treatment is about ten years. Studies show that people often experience symptoms for depression and anxiety when they are 14 years old, but don’t receive treatment until they are about 24 years-old, if at all.
“With R.I. as the eighth highest suicide attempt rate in the U.S., it’s important to get the word out about depression and other mental health disorders that could lead to suicide.”
- The missions of Newport Mental Health and the Newport County YMCA are aligned in the effort is to improve the lives of children, adults and families living and working in Newport County by improving the quality of life by focusing on the whole person and their mental and physical well-being.
For more information, contact Sandy Oxx at 846-1213 ext. 109 or Jamie Lehane 846-1213 ext. 110.
