Miami County Mental Health Initiative

10/14/2025

It was an honor to connect with community members at the Community Event held at the Paola High School. 💙🧡

We shared meaningful conversations about personal stories and the resources available to support individuals, families, and mental health in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to B.J. and Sylvia for courageously sharing their powerful stories of losing their children to su***de — your strength and openness are helping others find hope and healing. ❤️‍🩹

GiveMe20.LifeBox

***dePrevention

10/13/2025

We hope to see you here for such an important topic that touches all of us.

This session will focus on Mental Health and Su***de Prevention — a vital conversation about understanding, support, and hope.

Let’s come together to learn how we can make a difference, break the stigma, and support one another in times of need.

Your presence matters. Together, we can create a community of care and awareness.

Reminder- Monday night at PHS! Additional presentation & activities for students on Tuesday at our 2nd annual Panther Development Day 💛

10/11/2025

Grateful for Rev. Maria and the amazing team at the Paola United Methodist Church Thrift Store for helping us furnish a new home for two of our clients! Both have started new jobs, connected with local providers, are in recovery and doing so well-we couldn’t be more proud!

A huge thank-you to our Care Resource Coordination Program partners with Miami County Health Department and our MCMHI Leadership Team for walking alongside them every step of the way. It takes a village and we’re proud to have such compassionate community partners helping turn recovery into stability, and houses into homes 🏡

09/29/2025

September 26 is National Law Enforcement Su***de Awareness Day. On this day in 2015, Blue H.E.L.P. was established to provide support, prevention, and awareness regarding law enforcement su***des. Founded by Karen Solomon and Jeffrey McGill, after the writing of *The Price They Pay*, the organization was created in response to the lack of resources and support for officers and their families dealing with the aftermath of su***de.

Since its incorporation in 2017, Blue H.E.L.P. has become the only organization in the U.S. dedicated to collecting data on law enforcement su***des and offering ongoing support to affected families. Alarmingly, there are more law enforcement deaths by su***de than in any other category, although recent years have shown a decrease in these tragic incidents. The average number of su***des from 2017 to 2021 was 167 annually, but this number dropped to 136 in 2022, 70 in 2023 and 108 in 2024.

To combat these issues, many Sheriff’s Offices, including ours, have implemented peer support programs and work closely with regional peer support members and culturally competent clinicians. We also conduct critical incident stress debriefs following traumatic events, such as child deaths and fatal accidents.

Overall, the mental wellness landscape in law enforcement has improved significantly, with resources becoming more accessible and normalized, contributing to the decline in su***de rates. For more information on Blue H.E.L.P. and their initiatives, visit their website at https://bluehelp.org.

09/29/2025

Today is National 911 Telecommunications Su***de Awareness Day.

Statistics show that 35% of 911 dispatchers have been diagnosed with depression. Often times they hear the worst things imaginable and never know the outcome. It’s important for officers/deputies/troopers to communicate with the dispatchers and debrief with them after high stress calls.

Where to find help and resources
If you or a dispatcher you know is struggling, help is available.

988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

Safe Call Now: Call (206) 459-3020 for a 24/7 crisis referral service for emergency services personnel and their families.

Copline: Call 1-800-COPLINE (1-800-267-5463) for a confidential 24-hour hotline for law enforcement officers, staffed by retired officers.

First H.E.L.P.: This organization honors first responders who die by su***de, raises awareness, and provides resources.

Peer Support Programs: Many agencies offer confidential peer support to help dispatchers process and cope with stressful incidents.

09/25/2025

At the Miami County Wellness Event: Bridging Responders to Resources, speaker David Strother reminded us: “Rest is a verb.”

As we near the end of Su***de Prevention Month, let’s remember that caring for our mental health doesn’t stop here. Taking moments of rest is an active choice that helps us move toward healing, resilience, and hope.

Check in with yourself. Check in with others.
Rest. Reflect. Reach out. 💛

***dePrevention ***dePreventionMonth

09/23/2025

Join us for a free community event on mental health and su***de prevention. Learn how to care for yourself, support our youth, and strengthen our community together. Everyone is welcome!

We hope to see you there! 💚

Hey PAOLA!! Are you free Monday, October 13th?
Come see us and let's chat about the challenges our teens face today, su***de prevention and all things mental health. has been all over the Kansas City area over the last 5 years and we couldn't be more thrilled to now be bringing it to BJ's hometown. Miami County Mental Health Initiative will be with us with tons of resources and information for you to take home.
Mark your calendar! We can't wait to see you there.
***deAwareness

09/13/2025

We’re here today at the Stomp Out Su***de Walk in Osawatomie, KS, standing with our community to raise awareness, remember those we’ve lost, and offer hope to those who may be struggling.

Together, we can break the stigma around mental health and remind everyone that help is available and healing is possible.💛💚💜

📞 If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 for immediate support.

***de

09/10/2025

Together, we can shift the conversation from silence and stigma to openness, understanding, and support.

On World Su***de Prevention Day, let’s embrace the 3 C’s of prevention — Connection, Collaboration, and Choice — and remind each other that hope and help are always within reach.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for immediate support.

***dePreventionDay ***dePreventionMonth2025

09/08/2025

September 8th is !

The 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline provides help to anyone who is struggling, 24/7, just by dialing three numbers: 9-8-8.

Learn more: nami.org/988

***depreventionweek

09/07/2025

It’s National Su***de Prevention Week 🧡
Let’s break the silence, fight the stigma, and remind each other: You are not alone.
Every life matters. Every story matters. And asking for help is a sign of strength.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is here.
📞 Call/text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7.

Check in. Speak up. Reach out. 💬
***dePreventionWeek #988