Mental Health America of Hendricks County

Kids on the block education program. The purpose of these presentations is to educate children from preschool through high school on topics related to Mental Health, either specific Mental Health conditions like depression, autism, or substance abuse, or general Mental well-being like bullying, prescription drug abuse, organization, moods, and treating others with respect. Teachers/adult leaders are given an evaluation to complete that includes demographics. Results include number of sessions presented, attendance, and evaluation information. In 2020, 1,850 children were served by these programs. Evaluation scores and comments are 99.5% positive.

Education programs. Education programs were provided for children from pre-school through middle school ages, with 815 children served. The teachers and children really enjoy these programs and the evaluation results are 99% positive. They teach about topics such as mood, autism, and bullying.

Our child our divorce program. This is a court mandated class for people going through a divorce who have children under the age of eighteen. Its purpose is to teach parents how to help their children, in a developmentally appropriate way, as the family goes through the divorce process. It is also to remind them of appropriate and inappropriate ways to act and to keep in mind what is best for their children. In 2020, ocod held 10 classes with a total of 31 participants in the 3 hour one time session. Spouses are not allowed to attend the same session. Attendance/sign in/demographic sheets are kept for each session and certificates are given on successful completion of the class. Participants are given an evaluation at the end of the session. Even though the sessions are court-ordered, the evaluation results are 98.5% positive.

The organization carries on many other programs. Brief descriptions of these follow: Mental Health education: services are provided to educate members of the community on topics that relate to Mental Health conditions as well as topics that increase overall good Mental Health. These services are provided on an age-appropriate basis for people from pre-school age through adults. People are linked with programs and services as needed. Most Mental Health education services are provided free of charge. These services are provided through speaking presentations, hand-outs, and participation in Health and wellness fairs. Mental Health support group: this is a peer support group that meets weekly to enable people with Mental illness and their families and friends to discuss issues and offer mutual support. It is open to all and there is no fee to attend. It is held at the Mental Health America of Hendricks County office. Gift lift: services provide holiday gifts to residents of Hendricks County who reside in state psychiatric hospitals, County nursing homes, and the County home. Some of the wish lists include items that are very basic needs for the recipients. Individual advocacy: services include assisting people with Mental illness in dealing with other agencies to access appropriate services. Information and referral: services include utilizing community contacts that can be referred to as individuals request assistance. Westside widowed support group: this group meets regularly to provide social activities and peer-to-peer mutual support. Qpr (question, persuade, refer): this is a suicide prevention program that focuses on educating people to recognize the signs that someone might be suicidal, respond appropriately and get help for the individual.