CHIPPEWA FALLS (WQOW) – Mental health issues can impact many people, and may lead to dangerous situations. Because of this — the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District is working to reduce the risk of encountering one.
The district attended a two-day training starting on Thursday in Chippewa Falls about handling a crisis and suicide prevention training.
District Mental Health Jamie Ganske said the main takeaway from the training is to prepare staff, students, and parents moving forward.
“The best way I’ve been able to describe it is that it is comforting to know that through this two-day training I feel very confident that our school district will know all of the best practices to put into place and we will be ready for whatever comes our way,” said Ganske.
The goal is to connect and network with people to learn about the best practices for handling sudden death and suicide situations.
Members of the district networked with other stakeholders such as firefighters and childcare providers to learn about the best practices for handling emergency mental health situations.
Ann Duckless was a keynote speaker who talked about mental health trends in Wisconsin and prevention methods. She works at NAMI New Hampshire — a group that provides advocacy for people with a mental illness.