A Piatt County nonprofit is introducing a new collaborative effort to provide local support, education, and resources.

On the WHOW Morning Show Tuesday, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, Tony Kirkman, told the Hart Media Group the Piatt County Mental Health Initiative brings together local non-profits, healthcare providers, and small businesses to design a community-wide approach to emotional well-being.

The initiative features specialized workshops held every Wednesday in May, covering topics such as emotional wellness, mindfulness, trauma-informed care for first responders, and suicide awareness. 

Among a great deal of local participation, Kirkman indicates that high school and middle school students in Monticello have created custom coffee sleeves featuring messages of hope and encouragement, which are currently being utilized at local coffee shops.

The broad involvement from schools, civic organizations, and local business owners underscores a shared commitment to keeping mental health support strictly localized. Kirkman emphasized that utilizing local strengths to meet community needs allows neighbors to better support and take care of one another.

Find the Piatt County Mental Health Center on Facebook for more about this initiative and the happenings in real-time.