By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
With many senior citizens isolated during COVID, the need for mental health awareness is critical – so a Mental Health First Aid course focusing on seniors is scheduled for later this spring.
“Just like physical health, where First Aid is important, responding to mental health is equally as important,” said Lisa Myers, director of social services at the Wood County Committee on Aging.
So for the first time, the WCCOA is teaming up with the National Association on Mental Health to provide a “First Aid” course focusing on seniors.
Myers talked about the training on Wednesday during the monthly meeting of the Wood County Committee on Aging Board.
“This will give people some basic knowledge about mental health and give them some way to respond,” Myers said on Thursday.
“I think this is a great time for people to have this knowledge,” especially since many older residents are more isolated than normal because of COVID, she said.
“Now is definitely a time more and more people are struggling with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts,” Myers said.
The free Mental Health First Aid Training will be held at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green, on April 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The eight-hour training teaches a five-step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self-help care.
The training will be open to about 30 participants. Lunch will be provided. Pre-registration is required by calling 419-353-5661 or 1-800-367-4935.
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Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the WCCOA Board heard from Director of Programs Danielle Brogley about the upcoming “Lively U – Lifelong Learning Academy” classes to be held March through May. The program is a partnership with the BGSU Optimal Aging Institute.
A tuition fee of $20 is required, though scholarship funding is offered for those in need. The tuition pays for a year of Lively U classes.
The classes will be in person at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green (except for the art museum program.)
“I think it’s going to open up a different audience,” Niese said of the variety of classes being offered.
The following classes are planned this spring:
- Adventures in German, which offers culturally relevant activities using the German language.
- Soldier Experience of the Civil War will give an overall view of daily life of the common soldier during the war.
- Using Mindfulness to Improve Your Quality of Life will talk about how to begin a daily mindfulness practice.
- Planning for the Future will cover several aspects of end-of-life preparations.
- Toledo Museum of Art Gallery Group meets at the museum to explore themes of the collections.
- Colombia Expedition: A Travelogue, will include discussion of the country’s history, culture and food.
- Memoir Writing will teach participants to tell specific stories about important memories including events, people and places.
The classes are taught by local residents and experts.
“We will be engaging some retirees in the county who have knowledge and skills we can take advantage of,” Niese said.
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