One of our Programs

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Started in 2019. the purpose of the Community Connections Initiative is to generate awareness in our clubs and our communities by providing educational sessions with leading experts in the areas of Mental Health & SUD (Substance use Disorder).

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health issues have dramatically increased.  4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic.  Suicides and overdoses are on the rise.

We plan to hold annual Awareness Walks in October (October 10 is World Mental Health Day) and in May (World Mental Health Month).

We offer training for Mental First Aid, administering Naloxone, and QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide.

Our Zoom presentations cover an overview of Mental First Aid training, an overview of Naloxone training, Vaping, and being Stigma Free. In person events will be scheduled once larger indoor events are deemed safe by the committee and in compliance with all state and CDC guidelines.

Rotary District 7475 has declared the organization to be stigma-free as of March 24, 2021.  The goal is to eliminate stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders through education and creating awareness. Working within the mission of Rotary District 7475, Rotary seeks to create working relationships with its communities and counties it to help people overcome resistance to seeking help by eliminating the stigma that often makes people feel overwhelmed. To learn more about the Rotary Stigma-Free initiative, please contact District Community Connections Initiatives Chair Doug Cook at 7475 stigmafree@gmail.com