Representatives from local churches, schools, police agencies, businesses and other organizations gathered at the Orion Township home of Karen and Hugh Hudson for a meeting of the minds last week.
MINDS, or Mental Illness Needs Discussion Sessions, that is.
The group gave a presentation at Lake Orion High School in December, speaking with parents and students about adolescent suicide.
Although it wasn’t planned that way, the meeting was timely.
‘Four suicides in 18 months is enough,? said Heather Irish, founder and CEO of The MINDS Program, Inc. ‘No more.?
The Hudsons were one family among those four to lose a child.
Both found the MINDS presentation helpful, even after their son was gone, and said they want to help spare other families from the ordeal they’ve suffered.
‘But this isn’t just about suicide,? said Hugh Hudson. ‘It’s about mental health.?
The goal? Assemble a group of ‘Community Partners? and equip them with the resources, knowledge and comfort level to have conversations about mental health.
Through awareness and education MINDS hopes to spark a dialogue that will help de-stigmatize mental illnesses and encourage those who need help to seek it.
Currently, the group plans to meet about once every month. Watch The Lake Orion Review for ongoing information.