First responders prioritize the health of others while responding to calls, but on Friday, their mental health care was the focus. Day 2 of the "Peer Support" class continued at the Bath Township Fire Station. Safety service jobs come with exposure to traumatic triggers and events, so the free in-person course instructs emergency personnel on how to support each other should someone enter a mental health crisis. Often, there is a stigma of first responders seeking mental health treatment, and leaders want to break this stigma before one engages in self-destructive behavior.

Ohio is encouraging businesses to create a program to support current employees or potential future employees that are recovering from mental health and substance use disorders.

This year especially, people have been focusing on their mental health because of the effects that the pandemic has had on our lives. The World Health Organization has made it their goal this year to spread awareness and increase the funding on all levels for mental health. 

It’s part of the Sandy Hook Promise. The “Start With Hello” week teaches kids in schools to take small, but powerful actions to help others who may be struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness. Seniors were paired with freshmen on Thursday after mass where they walked together for suicide prevention.