Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives
Improving Mental Health & Preventing Suicide in Windsor
The Windsor Health Department is launching a new program to improve mental health and reduce suicide deaths. Recent data covering the past few years shows that Windsor has had a high number of suicide deaths. In the span of 4 years (2015-2019), there were 21 suicide deaths among Windsor residents and that rate is on pace to double with 20 suicide deaths among Windsor residents in the past 2 years (2020-2022). Therefore, the Windsor Health Department with the support of several town organizations, applied for a grant and received funding which will be used over the next 5 years.
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 to be kept up-to-date.
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/
On Our Sleeves
The Windsor Health Department is a new Education Partner with the On Our Sleeves Alliance, The Movement for Children’s Mental Health. This movement was founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, OH, with the intent to provide free resources across the country to promote mental health for children.
The On Our Sleeves Movement for Children’s Mental Health envisions a world where mental health is part of the upbringing of every child. That’s why Nationwide Children’s are on a mission to give free expert-created resources to all U.S. communities so everyone can understand and promote mental health for children.
Click on the link below to learn more about this movement, review the How-to Guides and check-out the Free Mental Health Resources. You can also sign-up to receive Free Weekly Resources.
