September is Suicide Awareness Month…
I had the opportunity to implement my training as a Mental Health First Aider and Suicide Safety instructor yesterday in two separate incidents. And last month, I was called to use both of these trainings for a dear friend who just lost his wife to suicide. 
I am a certified trainer and would encourage you to take this 8 hour MHFA training.
In today’s culture and climate, we all need to practice our own self care in order to live with mental and physical health, and to know how to support someone else who does not have these tools.
“Mental Health First Aid gives you the skills to recognize when someone is facing mental health or substance use challenges — and the confidence to be their first source of support. Whether you’re helping a loved one or handling your own stress, MHFA offers real-world training and tools to cope with mental health challenges.”
I had experienced a physical health emergency Thursday after work requiring steroid treatment and complete bed rest, and Friday morning as I was recovering, I received two (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) requests for assistance.
Both are doing well this morning.
Sometimes words can guide and support, and as a Mental Health First Aider and teacher, I knew exactly how to use my words as my guidance and support for these precious souls.
For information on becoming a Mental Health First Aider, go to https://mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
In addition, IN HONOR OF SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH, I AM AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING TRAINING:
SUICIDE SAFETY FOR SCHOOLS
APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS
I am a certified trainer licensed by the Suicide Prevention Center of NY State.
This workshop offers the following goals in prevention and awareness:
To review the importance of suicide prevention
Describe characteristics of at-risk students
Outline your critical but limited role
Clarify your building referral process
Identify school and community resources
Talking about suicide in the classroom
What every teacher should know
Understanding warning signs
Understanding protective factors
Understanding a “warm hand-off”
Email me at wendyblanchard044@gmail.com
Text TRAINING to 845-263-4094.
Love and blessings,
Wendy
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