By JAMIE ALLBACH
Program Specialist
Los Alamos County
Mental health and substance use treatment continue to be areas where our community needs more resources. I am so grateful the Social Services Division connects people with professional support, and I’m also proud to work in collaboration with other community educators to see our county’s forms of support expand.
The Los Alamos Social Services Division is pleased to announce multiple opportunities to build skills that support mental wellbeing in our community, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. In May, we offer three unique ways for individuals to support their own wellbeing and to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
Join us for any or all of the following events:
- ABC Suicide Prevention Training
- A 90-minute introductory training led by Kristine Coblentz to quickly build practical skills for recognizing and responding to suicide risk 12-1:30 p.m., Monday, May 4, Mesa Public Library, Upstairs Meeting Room. Email Jamie Allbach at jamie.allbach@losalamosnm.gov to RSVP
- Guided Forest Bathing Experience
- A gentle guided walk in nature led by Kristine Coblentz designed to reduce stress and restore wellbeing — no fitness level required, at 1-3 p.m., Sunday, May 17, Mesa Public Library. Email Jamie Allbach at jamie.allbach@losalamosnm.gov to RSVP
- Mental Health First Aid
- A full-day certification course providing in-depth, hands-on skills for responding to mental health and substance use crises led by Jamie Allbach 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday, May 29, Fuller Lodge, Nambe Room. Email Jamie Allbach at jamie.allbach@losalamosnm.gov to RSVP
Kristine Coblentz shared this about ABC Suicide Prevention Training:
“We hear from participants that they can use the skills they learn in the class right away to check in with people they are concerned about. Community members appreciate a place where we are talking openly about mental health and learning how we can support one another. In every class I try to emphasize that we don’t have to wait until someone shows signs of suicide to express concern and offer support. These skills can be used to start any caring conversation. By looking out for one another we can strengthen our community’s network of care.”
At each event, materials will be provided and no prior experience is necessary.
Everyone who is 16+ is welcome. If you have a request for a younger person to attend, please email Jamie Allbach at jamie.allbach@losalamosnm.gov to discuss details.
About Los Alamos County Social Services
The Social Services Division oversees a spectrum of programs and services centered around supporting the Los Alamos community’s health and well-being.
Through our case coordination and outreach, we help people that may be experiencing hardships navigate the often-complex procedures to receive aid.
Community members of all ages can receive assistance with the following services:
- Federal and state benefit programs: Starting or renewing applications for Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, and other programs;
- Utilities: Assistance with applications for LIHEAP and Los Alamos Utilities Assistance Program;
- Housing: Assistance with Section 8 / Housing vouchers; and assistance with eviction processes;
- Job-seeking: Assistance with Workforce Solutions and occasionally help with local businesses’ job applications as available; and
- Physical and Behavioral Health: Assistance with referrals to providers.
The Social Services Division also manages contracts with partnering agencies throughout the region that provide a range of programming and services for individuals, youth, families, and seniors throughout the community.
The Social Services Division collaborates with the Los Alamos County Health Council (LACHC) to provide services to improve community health and wellbeing.