Minds Matter

Improving Mental Health & Preventing Suicide in Windsor

The Windsor Health Department is launching new programs to improve mental health and prevent suicide deaths.  Recent data shows that Windsor has had a high number of suicide deaths over the past few years.  In the span of 5 years (2015-2019), there were 21 suicide deaths among Windsor residents.  From 2020-2023 (4 years) there were 23 suicide deaths among Windsor residents.  This information is used to calculate per capita suicide rates across the state of Connecticut and Windsor has had per capita suicide rates in the top ten for 2015-2019 and 2020-2023.  With this information, the Windsor Health Department with the support of several town organizations, applied for a grant and received funding which will be used through September 2028 to promote mental health and prevent suicide deaths in Windsor.

First Steps

One of the first tasks is to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA).  This task is a requirement of the awarded grant and the purpose is to assess the health status of Windsor residents, determine needs and identify issues.  It is expected that surveys will be done through phone interviews, focus groups and electronic surveys.  All residents are encouraged to participate if contacted. 

After the CHNA is completed, residents can expect to see new educational programs offered and new initiatives planned.  Residents will have the opportunity to learn about mental health promotion and suicide prevention activities.  Together the Town of Windsor will work to enhance the lives of Windsor residents.

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Programs

Below you will find a list of programs related to Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives. Stay tuned as we add more or sign up using the above form to be notified with updates or information on new initiatives.

If you have questions or are looking for more information, please reach out to the Windsor Health Department at (860) 285-1824.

Question, Persuade and Refer Training (QPR)

Windsor Health Department will offer QPR classes to residents interested in the class.  QPR (Questions Persuade, Refer) is a 1 ½ hour program designed to teach people to identify warning signs of suicide, persuade the person to get help and refer the person to appropriate resources. 

Remember to sign up using the form on this page if you are interested in registering or would like more program information.

Resources

Below are great resources on Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention.

Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health

Gizmo’s Pawesome Guide to Mental Health is a program to support the mental health and wellness of youth.  The materials were developed by the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and funded through multiple grants. 

Books are available at the Windsor Health Department and can be ordered at https://www.gizmo4mentalhealth.org/gizmo-book-order-form/

For more information about the Gizmo 4 Mental Health Program, click on the link below.  You will find the PAWESOME Pledge for Mental Health, Gizmo Graphics and Materials and a Curriculum Preview that may be used in schools, camps and before or after school programs.  

https://www.gizmo4mentalhealth.org/

Kids Mental Health Foundation

The Windsor Health Department is a new Education Partner with The Kids Mental Health Foundation.  This program was founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, with the intent to create a world where mental health is a vital part of growing up. 

The Kids Mental Health Foundation envisions a world where mental health is as important as their physical health and a place where grown-ups learn the skills to help kids face and manage life’s challenges through free resources. 

Click on the link below to learn more about this program, review the How-to Guides and check-out the Free Mental Health Resources.  You can also sign-up to receive Free Weekly Resources. 

https:/kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org

If you have questions or are looking for more information, please reach out to the Windsor Health Department at 860-285-1824.