I'm allowed to be happy.
I'm allowed to be healthy.
I'm allowed to have a wonderful life.
Today we welcomed Amanda Noland, Health Promotions Specialist/Mental Health First Aid Instructor at the Elkhart County Health Department. She was joined by her guest Andrew Bylsma, Health Administrator at the ECHD. Amanda shared information about stress relief through positive affirmation and resources for mental health.
There are many resources for those in crisis or those wishes to get help before they're in crisis including one of the ECHD's programs:
Mental Health First Aid
Be Prepared for a Mental Health Crisis
If you are in mental health crisis, please call your health care provider or Dial 911 if this is an emergency. Just as First Aid/CPR helps assist an individual learn life-saving skills – even if you have no clinical training – Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health-related concern. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health issues and substance misuse, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Before you can know how to help, you need to know when to help. You will gain a basic understanding of what different mental illnesses and substance use disorders are, how they can affect a person’s daily life and what helps individuals experiencing these challenges get well.
If you are in mental health crisis, please call your health care provider or Dial 911 if this is an emergency. Just as First Aid/CPR helps assist an individual learn life-saving skills – even if you have no clinical training – Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health-related concern. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health issues and substance misuse, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Before you can know how to help, you need to know when to help. You will gain a basic understanding of what different mental illnesses and substance use disorders are, how they can affect a person’s daily life and what helps individuals experiencing these challenges get well.
You will learn about:
- Depression and other mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Trauma
- Psychosis
- Substance use disorders
Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.
The Elkhart County Health Department hosts the evidence-based public education programs for anyone interacting with adults or youth. The Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health situation; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Training information and registration information can be found here: https://health.elkhartcounty.com/documents/4679/March_AMHFA.pdf
About Amanda Noland:
Amanda has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s from Michigan State University in counseling psychology. After pursuing a career in counseling and advising, Amanda is now a Health Promotion Specialist and Mental Health First Aid Instructor with the Elkhart County Health Department. She has been in her current position for 9 years and enjoys educating the general community on mental health challenges. Amanda is an active member of the Elkhart Chamber Women’s Council and the Elkhart County Suicide Prevention Coalition. On a personal note, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her 2 children, husband, and shih tzu, Winter.
Amanda has a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s from Michigan State University in counseling psychology. After pursuing a career in counseling and advising, Amanda is now a Health Promotion Specialist and Mental Health First Aid Instructor with the Elkhart County Health Department. She has been in her current position for 9 years and enjoys educating the general community on mental health challenges. Amanda is an active member of the Elkhart Chamber Women’s Council and the Elkhart County Suicide Prevention Coalition. On a personal note, Amanda enjoys spending quality time with her 2 children, husband, and shih tzu, Winter.
Today we inducted three New Members as a part of our Corporate Membership Program.
The HUB Bristol has emerged from the Bristol Community Food Pantry, which has faithfully served our hometown and surrounding area for 20+ years.
Prior to the Pantry, several area churches helped residents by keeping small quantities of food available for neighbors in need. The desire of a central location for people to donate food and receive help became a reality in 2004. Over the years, networking with other area pantries and community resource centers, our assistance has expanded – it’s become “more than just food”. In early 2022, a small group of ‘locals’ began discussions of how to take the Pantry to the next level. A vision for The HUB began to emerge: to walk alongside people that are living in the margins, in need of help and direction for a more meaningful life. The “H.U.B.” stands for: Hearts United for Bristol.
Our focus is to bring hope, healing and wholeness to Bristol. We’re doing this by expanding our services, creating a safe place for people to connect, receive assistance and develop paths forward. Those that have a desire to help others will find ways to connect with those who need that help. We desire for Bristol to be a thriving community, one that cares for one another. To Learn more about The HUB please visit their website: https://thehubbristol.com/
New Corporate Members from The HUB are:
- Chris Garner, Executive Director
- Sarah Burton, Food Resources Coordinator, and
- Sarah Farris, Life Resources Coordinator
Please welcome Chris, Sarah, and Sarah into our club and encourage them to get engaged in our committees, activities, and programs.
Running List of Rotary Event Announcements
Rotarians are an integral and engaged part of our active community! Here’s a list of upcoming events represented by Rotarians from the Elkhart Rotary Club. If you’d like more information, contact the Rotarian listed for the event or email elkhartnoonrotary@gmail.com and your message will be forwarded to them. Are you a Rotarian with an event to share? Put it in the format below and email to Eric Garton, he’ll add it to the list.
Thursday, March 21, at 5 p.m. Thirsty Thursday - come enjoy a drink and fellowship with fellow Rotarians and guests. Come on, come all, drop in at 5 or later. Location: TBD. Contact: Peter Norton
Saturday, March 23, Leprechaun Leap! A fun annual fundraiser for Cancer Resources of Elkhart County held at Re-Pete’s Simonton Lake Tavern, 51426 State Road 19, Elkhart. Gates open at noon, leaping begins at 2 p.m.. For info and registration visit: https://elkhartcancer.org/leap/. Contact: Peter Norton.
Friday, May 3, early afternoon time TBD. Celebration of Life for Richard "Dick" Brotherson at First Presbyterian Church followed by an Open House at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Dick was a 55-year Rotarian and loved Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Contact Eric Garton.