By Douglas Labrecque and Nancy Pearson, Coalition Coordinators, Two River Competent Community
What is a Caring Competent Community?
The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County (MHAMC), together with key stakeholders from the Rumson and Fair Haven areas, is working to help fight mental health stigma, increase awareness on prevention efforts, and provide best practice education to help contain exposure to traumatic events. This Caring Competent Community (CCC) model, created by MHAMC, recognizes that suicide prevention is an organized community approach, and the Two River Competent Community group is tasked with bringing together leaders in the Rumson-Fair Haven area to help respond in times of need, and support fellow neighbors.
It is the goal of the group to provide for the protection and wellness of their fellow community members by putting “more lifeboats in the water.” The theory behind the program is to develop a Caring Competent Community where everyone cares about the well-being of others and is educated on warning signs and risk factors; knows how and where to get help when necessary; and is consistently inclined to do so – every time a need arises. The CCC model uses the acronym FACTS to educate on the warning signs for suicide: Feelings, Actions, Changes, Threats, and Situations. Ensuring that community members are aware of these warning signs, and also how to get help for those they care about, is the essential shift in building Caring Competent Communities.
With expertise from MHAMC professional staff, such as Susan Tellone MSN, BSN, CSN, RN, Vice President of Programs and Community Education Nicole Nolan, MPP, MSW, LSW, Suicide Prevention Specialist, and Rev. Joe Gratzel, the MHA of Monmouth County has been addressing the public health challenge of suicide prevention in communities throughout Monmouth County. Starting in Fall of 2016, a three-tiered approach to mental health and wellness was established through funding provided to MHAMC by the County Board of Chosen Freeholders. This pronged approach included trainings for the Rumson Fair Haven school districts and high school in Lifelines: A Suicide Prevention Program, Mental Health First Aid Trainings for community members, and the creation of a community coalition now entitled: Two River Competent Community.
By partnering with community leaders, Nancy Pearson, MHAMC’s Foundation Board Co-Chair and Operating Board Member, Doug Labrecque, the group has been focused on developing a strategic plan for responding to traumatic events, providing continuing educational opportunities, and engaging the larger community in a needs-assessment of risk factors. The group utilizes the expertise of their own members with participation from school, community, and mental health liaisons.
If you are interested in starting a competent community in your town, or would like more information on suicide prevention resources, such as Lifelines or Mental Health First Aid, offered by the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, please contact: 732.542.6422 or email mha@mentalhealthmonmouth.org.
The Two River Competent Community will be offering free, quarterly prevention education. More information on education presentations can also be obtained by contacting: 732.542.6422 or email mha@mentalhealthmonmouth.org.
Remember, you are not alone – help is out there. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Mental health resources are available through the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County at 732-542-6422.
