Meeting Date 04-06-2026

“Supporting Mental Health in Our Community: A Rotary Conversation on Awareness and Mental Health First Aid“

Did you know that:

• 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health crisis every year.
• 48 million people in the US live with a substance use disorder
• 136 Americans die by suicide per day on average
• 48% of people have left their jobs due to mental health
• 2 in 5 US adults say they do not know how to respond to a loved one’s mental health crisis.

Mental health challenges touch every family, workplace, and neighborhood — including the communities Rotary Clubs proudly serve. Yet many people still feel uncertain about how to recognize when someone is struggling or how to offer support in a compassionate, confident way. In this engaging short presentation, Jennifer Cox, Manager of the National Trainer Network for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA USA), will introduce Rotary members to the power of simple conversations in strengthening community wellbeing. Rotarians will learn:

• Why mental health awareness is essential to Rotary’s service?centered mission
• How to recognize when someone may be experiencing a mental health challenge
• Practical, approachable ways to support others — no clinical background required
• What Mental Health First Aid is, how it works, and why it’s transforming workplaces and communities across the country

This short session provides a meaningful introduction to Mental Health First Aid and offers everyday tools that Rotary members can use to foster connection, compassion, and resilience in the places where they live and serve. Join us to explore how small conversations can make a big impact — and how Rotary can be a powerful force for mental wellbeing in our community.

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Meeting Video