#AdvocacyMatters: Opportunity Knocks

April 8, 2022 / #AdvocacyMatters

Our advocacy is most effective when we are able to bring it directly into the communities we serve. By connecting on a local level with our partners and allies, we can most effectively reach broader audiences with new resources, new tools, and new opportunities. Among the more important goals this reach can achieve is to break the stigmas surrounding some disabilities through increased awareness and advocacy. The stigmas associated with mental health issues and mental health emergencies aren’t just damaging for people with certain disabilities, but they can also stop others from helping when crises develop.

This month, DRO Board President Bill Bauer will be leading a Mental Health First Aid training event in northwest Ohio. This unique, hybrid training will combine an online training module and a practical, in-person session that will teach adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Available in both English and Spanish this practical, possibly life-saving information can make a real difference throughout our community and across our state.

There are still some spots available for this event, and we want to ensure that this vital information reaches as many people as possible. Registration is set to close in just a few days on Wednesday, April 13th. You can learn more and register by clicking here or by visiting https://bit.ly/nwmhregister. You can also learn more about Mental Health First Aid by visiting mentalhealthfirstaid.org. Because we believe that #AdvocacyMatters, we’ll keep working to bring these important tools and resources into the communities we serve.