HealthNeedsRx decided to reach out to Muskegon County and ask them a few questions about the health disparities that they are facing. On our team, Khyathi Tanneeru has asked the Health West Mental Health Organization in Muskegon County some pressing questions about the health disparities that they are facing. On our team, Khyathi Tanneeru has asked the Health West Mental Health Organization in Muskegon County some pressing questions. When Khaythi called the Mental Health Organization, Chelsie Kirksey, an administrative staff member, answered, and the conversation began.
Khyathi wasted no time and started off with the questions. “With Covid-19, mental health has been low, especially during the holiday season. How is Muskegon County helping to support others with holiday depression?” She said. Ms. Kirksey replied, “We are doing some holiday training, to talk about how changes in traditions might be a little different this year and how we can cope with that and how to plan ahead. The organization has come up with a plan to help the public with holiday depression. “Okay so, holiday training can you expand on that?” Khyathi asked. “Yes, so one of the clinicians for the community, offered to help validate this year’s feeling and things are going to look a little different and that might be difficult. When planning this we wrote out a timeline so we can talk about traditions we normally do. What we can do is that we can look at those traditions we are still able to do and can continue doing them and then which ones we might not be able to this year. We are trying to make new memories this year which really would be the best way to cope with that.” responded The Health Department The Health West Mental Health Organization wants to make this year different and really connect with their community and validate their feelings. They want to continue the traditions that they can and come up with new ones to make this year better and make some memories to cheer people up in this alarming time. They are using a clinician to help out with the holiday training. Khyathi moves on to the next question. “How are mental health resources equally distributed in different communities because I know that Muskegon County has a large black community?” Ms. Kirksey explains, “So, what we have is as a community we serve those with Medicaid, so right off the bat, our service is directed towards that community. We are looking at other methods and we are also looking for a couple of partners. We are serving the community in the jail too. We try to make sure we are hitting all of the community and we also have diversity and equity on staff and reaching the inner working on that.” This organization has staff trying to support the community from unfortunate situations that are going on. When Ms. Kirksey explains what they are doing, she mentions that they are looking for a couple of partners to help spread their resources. She continues to say they are covering most of the community and are looking for more ways to help out. “Okay, my last question is how is Muskegon County helping prevent suicide?” Khyathi inquired. Ms. Chelsie said, “There is a suicide coalition in Muskegon county, so they would have more details on their specific efforts, but we do have staff who is the chair of that community. But again we do more training, and they have more specific opportunities. I know last year, we partnered with the Muskegon school district and we were able to recognize things to look for and warning signs of suicide. Health West Mental Health Organization is just learning about suicides and what someone can do if it happens and what some signs of suicide are. The suicide coalition in Muskegon County has initiatives and projects to help prevent suicide. During these horrid times, we really have to reach out to others, no matter who it is. If we show that we care about someone and show our love, that person will appreciate it. Don’t forget that our actions affect not only others but ourselves as well. If you don’t feel safe or you feel scared, talk to someone. You can make a difference in someone’s life. You matter. No matter what anyone says, you are perfect. Be the best you can be and make sure to take time out and call the people you love, say kind words, make sure they know you love them no matter what. Reach out to a suicide hotline or a helpline to talk to someone. Don’t be afraid, we are here for you. HealthNeedsRx loves you, you matter to us. You are special. Written By: Amna Mohammed
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