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‘You are not alone,’ Local health professionals raise awareness to suicide prevention
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – In the last five years, nearly 240 people in Chatham County have died by suicide, according to data from the state health department. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and local health professionals are working to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Psychiatrists with Gateway Behavioral Health say changes in daily behavior, isolation, sadness and appetite loss can be warning signs that someone may be having thoughts of suicide. If you see those signs in someone you know, experts say to check in with them. “A very common misconception about suicide and mental … Read more
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PCC Notes: Initiative to help high schoolers prepare for health sciences | Local News
WINTERVILLE — Pitt Community College has launched a new pilot program to help Pitt County high school students explore and engage with health sciences curricula throughout their senior year. The PCC Health Sciences Scholars (HSS) program, according to PCC Health Information Technology (HIT) Program Director Ashleigh Walker, is intended to help prospective students better prepare for health sciences enrollment. She said students selected for HSS will have four program options to choose from: HIT, Emergency Medical Science, Medical Assisting and Respiratory Therapy. “PCC Health Sciences Dean Donna Neal envisioned the Health Sciences Scholars program as a way to engage local … Read more
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Mental health crisis hurt by need for more workers | Local News
After finishing up her last class as an undergrad in Mankato earlier this year, Amily Smith excitedly spoke about her plans to enter the mental health workforce. The recent graduate from Minnesota State University gained experience as a recovery advocate at House of Hope in Mankato and as a medication technician at Wellcome Manor in Garden City. Both experiences solidified her interest in helping people with addictions, a co-occuring disorder for many people with mental health conditions. Post graduation, Smith began an alcohol and drug counseling internship in St. Peter. In an encouraging sign for outstate Minnesota, she said she’d … Read more
