Mental Health Awareness Material Added to Library Collection

WASHBURN - A recent grant is helping Bayfield County get serious about preventing suicide as well as helping with mental health training opportunities.

Wisconsin’s DOJ, Division of Law Enforcement Services, approved the $62,627 grant, available through the Statewide Crisis Intervention Program. Specifically, this project focuses on suicide prevention and mental health training locally, with the Washburn Public Library and Washburn School District helping to deliver some of those services.

“We are extremely grateful that Criminal Justice Coordinator Barb Flynn included us in this effort,” said library director Darrell Pendergrass. “We have been able to host several evening programs dealing with these issues. We’ve also added a sizable collection of up-to-date books specific to young people. It’s just one step in helping people get the resources they need to cope with life’s ups and downs. “

Flynn has also coordinated several training opportunities offered to Bayfield County employees. Conferences and training include: Annual Wisconsin Crisis Intervention Conference, Minnesota Suicide Prevention Conference, WI Department of Human Services Wisconsin Substance Use Summit.

One aspect of this project will be developed with the National Alliance MI-Lake Superior South Shore project, particularly the Crisis Intervention & Partners training scheduled for September 14-15th at Bayfield County.