LUK, Inc. Expanding Mental Health Training through Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund Grant

Fitchburg — LUK, Inc. has recently received funding from the Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund to expand their Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention trainings to the Nashoba Valley community. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.

“Mental health and suicide prevention trainings are critical and essential for our community; these trainings teach participants to identify warning signs and risk factors, then provide practical ways to get individuals the vital help they deserve,” says LUK’s Community Training Coordinator, Megan Burke. “When more community members are trained, we create a network of informed, compassionate responders who can step in early and reduce stigma around seeking help.”

LUK was awarded funds to align with the Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund’s goal of improving access to quality healthcare for residents of the Nashoba Valley region. The funding will be used to support community resiliency through knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies. The proposed trainings utilize a number of curricula that reduce stigma, promote self-care, coping skills, strong social relationships and community bonding. Evidence-based trainings include Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA); safeTALK; Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR); and Overdose Lifeline. Evidence-informed trainings include Suicide Prevention 101, Mental Health 101, Self-Care 101, and Substance Use Prevention 101.

Burke shares that the average delay between onset and treatment of a mental illness is 11 years. By providing these trainings, the hope is to reduce that gap and encourage earlier access to care. She adds, “By investing in education and awareness, we build a safer, more connected community where no one has to face mental health challenges alone.”

LUK is thankful for the Nashoba Valley Community Healthcare Fund’s support and looks forward to offering these important trainings to the Nashoba Valley community.

Learn more and request to host a training today at https://www.luk.org/service/community-education/

About LUK, Inc.

LUK, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the safety, health, and well-being of youth, families, and adults in Central Massachusetts. As a community-based organization, LUK’s mission is to challenge and inspire youth, adults, and families to realize their unique potential through community-based prevention, intervention, education, and support services.

For more information about LUK, Inc., visit www.LUK.org, call (800) 579-0000, or find us on Facebook (@LetUsKnowINC). Join us in building stronger communities, family by family!