Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Newsletter May 2025

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Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Newsletter May 2025

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Help is available that is right for you

While mental health is important to address year-round, Mental Health Awareness Month provides a dedicated time for people, organizations, and communities to join their voices to broadcast the message that mental health matters. 

This year’s theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” The theme celebrates the progress we’ve made in recognizing the importance of mental health – and challenges us to turn understanding into meaningful steps toward change.

Whether it’s through advocacy, education, community engagement, or direct action in our own lives, “Turn Awareness to Action” reflects our commitment to creating a world where mental health is prioritized for all.

Use the MDH toolkit with key messages, social media content, and shareable graphics to support your Mental Health Awareness Month communications.  Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit 2025

Events

Mental Health Awareness Month Lunch and Learns

Wellbeing in Uncertain Times

In a world filled with rapid change and uncertainty, taking care of our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing has never been more crucial. This webinar aims to provide practical tools, insights, and strategies to help you navigate challenges with resilience, balance, and self-care.

  • Presenter: Monica Kramer McConkey, Eyes on the Horizon Consulting, LLC.
  • Date and time: Monday, May 5, 12 - 1 p.m.
  • Registration: Wellbeing in Uncertain Times

The Eight Dimensions of Wellness - Mental Health Awareness Month

Your overall wellness is shaped by multiple dimensions, each influencing your mental health. These eight key dimensions—emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social—are deeply interconnected. By understanding how they interact, we can better support ourselves and those around us. 

Artificial Intelligence for Public Health: Opportunities, Challenges, and Ethical Considerations

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way public health professionals collect, analyze, and act on data—but what does this mean in practice? In this session, we will explore the fundamentals of AI, its applications in public health, and key considerations for responsible and effective use. We’ll discuss opportunities AI presents for enhancing public health initiatives and mental health promotion. At the same time, we’ll address challenges such as ethical concerns, bias, and the need for human oversight. Whether you're new to AI or looking for a deeper understanding of its role in public health, this session will provide practical insights to help you navigate this evolving landscape.

Mental Health Resources in Minnesota

Join MDH for a panel discussion exploring what mental health resources are available in Minnesota and what connecting with those resources may look like. Representatives from NAMI Minnesota, Mental Health Minnesota, the 988 Minnesota Lifeline, 211, and Mobile Crisis will sit on a panel discussion hosted by MDH. Each representative will share about what resources each organization provides and answer questions about their role in the crisis care continuum in Minnesota. Come ready with questions for an exciting lunch and learn.

  • Panel facilitator: Kelsey Scott, MN Department of Health Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Team
  • Date and time: Wednesday, May 28, 12 - 1 p.m.
  • Registration: Mental Health Resources in Minnesota

Northern Minnesota Suicide Prevention Training

Are you looking for tangible strategies for suicide prevention and mental health/ wellbeing promotion for yourself and/or the people you serve? The goal of this training is to review ways to increase hope and protective factors in the work we do within schools, worksites, health care facilities, the community and more. All are welcome to attend and a certificate of attendance will be provided.

Training topics:

The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences

One of the most exciting applications of the Science of the Positive is in the developing body of scientific research around positive experiences as a counterbalance to the harmful physical, mental, and behavioral effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) across the lifespan. This ongoing research is transforming how we address the prevention and mitigation of trauma and its harmful effects, and opening new avenues for increasing community and individual health and wellness. In this interactive workshop, you will learn about the latest data, implications for the people you serve, opportunities for application within your community and emerging research to cultivate Positive Childhood Experiences for greater community wellbeing.

Advancing Digital Well-being Through Community Resilience and Collective Action

Join MDH for an engaging session where we delve into the intersection of digital wellbeing and health equity. Experience a LiveMore ScreenLess overview while we explore how digital media influences social and structural determinants of health. Participants will learn actionable strategies for leveraging community power and advocating for policies that support digital wellbeing.

Training is FREE. Lunch will be provided. 

Email questions to meghann.levitt@carltoncountymn.gov

Training sponsored by: Minnesota Department of Health Suicide Prevention Regional Coordination Grant Funds


Informational webinar: Suicide prevention training options for educators 

Minnesota Statute (MN State Statute 122A.187 Expiration and Renewal Subd.6. Mental Illness) requires all licensed teachers renewing a teaching license under sections 122A.181 to 122A.184 to complete at least one hour of evidence-based suicide prevention best practices training in each licensure renewal period.

Join the MDH and Minnesota Department of Education for an informational webinar to review available resources for schools, districts, and educators to meet this licensure requirement. Presenters will help participants understand the need and learn about a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. The session will include a review of the statute requirements and three different training options. This webinar is appropriate for educators wanting to plan to meet the suicide prevention training requirement and/or school and district administration planning professional development for staff.

Contact

Email us at health.suicideprev.mdh@state.mn.us to contribute to the mental health and suicide prevention newsletter.