Panhandle Public Health District brings awareness toward mental health concerns

PANHANDLE -- The Panhandle Public Health District is raising awareness for those who struggle with mental health concerns. 

PPHD has created a green light initiative where individuals and businesses are encouraged to display a green light in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. 

Throughout the month of May, people can display a green light however they choose — whether it be in their porch light or inside their house — to increase their awareness of mental health. 

Community Prevention Coordinator Suzanne Crane says: “The main thing we want to focus on is reducing the stigma of mental health. We want people to be more open in talking about their mental health and more open in asking for help and getting help early.” 

She adds that the panhandle counties have some of the highest rates of suicide per capita. 

Community involvement is crucial in creating safe spaces for conversation about mental health. 

PPHD and the Panhandle Prevention Coalition, which is an entity within PPHD that discusses prevention strategies for the Panhandle of Nebraska, present trainings that provide resources regarding mental health. 

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and Controlled Access to Lethal Means (CALM) are trainings that get people comfortable with discussing suicide and asking someone if they are struggling with suicidal thoughts, then giving them a referral. 

“We offer these trainings throughout the panhandle to individuals, organizations, and schools,” Crane says. “In the Panhandle, we are low on resources, low on mental health counseling, so just knowing if you are in that situation to reach out and call 9-8-8.” 

Crane encourages people to get involved with the initiative as it can foster empathy and understanding.  

“If someone is not personally affected themselves [by mental health struggles], they may know a friend, family member, or coworker who is, and you just never know when you're going to have the opportunity to help someone,” Crane says. “This gets people thinking about their own selfcare and wellness; we can’t help other people if we are not taking care of ourselves.” 

She says exercising, eating healthy, and getting fresh air are the best ways to improve your mental health and overall well-being. 

Locations spread across the panhandle are offering a free light bulb to participate in honoring Mental Health Awareness Month. For a full list of locations, visit Panhandle Prevention Coalition’s Facebook page: https://bit.ly/42ZiFl0. 

If you choose to display a green light, scan the QR code on the flyer given out with the green light bulbs, and you can upload a photo of your light bulb which the PPHD and PPC will put on their social media.