County resources directory is valuable

Every two years Mental Health America in Sheboygan County updates the Directory of Community Resources.

The directory is a valuable resource for schools, law enforcement agencies, health care providers, community organizations, Human Resource professionals, businesses, families and individuals in Sheboygan County.

The directory serves not only as a guide to local mental health and support group services, but includes additional services such as recreation, LGBTQ resources, financial assistance, and much more. In fact, the directory boasts almost 200 area agency and program listings.

We are very excited to announce that the 2016 Directory of Community Resources is currently undergoing the final stages of development and will be available Aug. 1 at www.mha sheboygan.org and in print thanks to grantors Lakeshore Community Foundation, Charles E. Kubly Foundation and the United Way of Sheboygan County.

Included in this year’s directory will be the Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Options Guide, which was developed by MHA in partnership with Sheboygan County Public Health and the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department in early spring. The purpose of the guide is to deliver information on substance use, area treatment options, recovery and support.

We know that taking care of mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health. Overall health includes a healthy lifestyle, stress management, addressing mental health and physical health concerns when they arise and taking time to be present and in the moment with friends and family. We hope by developing this directory we can help improve access to area resources and provide hope and support to all members of Sheboygan County so they may live a healthy life.

The Directory of Community Resources, Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Options Guide, and our confidential referral and consultations, are just a part of what we do. MHA is a non-profit mental health resource and referral agency and has served Sheboygan County since 1963. We provide services in prevention/education, access to care and recovery/ support.

On average MHA provides 1,000 confidential referrals and consultations to mental health professionals and resources each year as part of the Access to Care focus area. For questions about MHA programs, referrals to area mental health treatment providers and community resources, or to register for the upcoming There is Hope Walk on Sept. 10 World Suicide Prevention Day at Deland Park visit www.mhasheboygan .org, or connect with us directly Monday through Thursday at 920-458-3951 — Friday hours are available by appointment.

You are not alone, hope is out there, recovery is possible — you are worth it.

Jessica Miner is the mental health resource specialist for Mental Health America of Sheboygan