Police relations council focuses on mental health
In light of the serious national debate surrounding mental health issues and their linkage to gun violence, the Northern District Police Relations Council saw an opportunity to educate its members and the community on the subject.
On Jan. 6, Lt. Steven Thomas spoke about mental health issues to approximately three dozen residents. He urged them to learn more about Mental Health First Aid which was first developed in Australia and came to Maryland in 2010.
The course has been offered to more than 100,000 people across the county and Puerto Rico.
"This is a very valuable course," Thomas said.
Thomas described the course's three main focus areas. The first area he spoke of was promoting mental health literacy. That includes being able to recognize the warning signs of mental illness. The second area deals with how to help officers and families who have to cope with a traumatic event. The third element asks, how do we improve the quality of life for county citizens? After learning how to identify someone who needs help, how do we connect that person to the proper care?
"I'm not suggesting everyone needs to be put on medication by any stretch, but sometimes people just need someone to talk to," Thomas said.
The council and Thomas worked to bring the course to the public at the end of the month. Seating will be limited to 25. The course, scheduled from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., will be held Jan. 20 and Jan. 27 at the Freetown Improvement Association Building, 7825 Freetown Road in Glen Burnie. To reserve a spot, contact Carl Brooks at 410-636- 2435 or Ron Wayne at 410-768-1616.
Also, at the meeting, council officers were sworn in by Northern District Commanding Officer Thomas Kohlman. The officers are: President Carl Brooks, Vice President Ron Wayne, Treasurer Barbara Goodman, Secretary Tammy Burns and member-at-large Ann Wayne.
St. John United Methodist
Beginning Sunday, the St. John Experience family, 6019 Belle Grove Road in Brooklyn will begin the kickoff for the January Sermon Series Turning on Your Power beginning at 3:30 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. C. Anthony Hunt and the Epworth UMC choir.
Let Freedom Ring, celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., is scheduled on Jan. 18 at noon with a day of service and self- examination; the New Year Revival - UPROAR 2016 will be featured at 7:30 each evening with the Rev. Pierre German on Jan. 20; Pastor Betty Spencer on Jan. 21 and the Rev. Dr. Timothy West on Jan. 22.
A financial worship will be held beginning 7 p.m. on today and will run monthly through April 13. The workshop will provide basic steps so families can work together to follow money management principles. For additional information, call the church office at 410-636-2578.
Brooklyn Park Library
You're invited to the library, 1 East 11th Ave., Brooklyn Park at 7 p.m., today to drop in to knit, crochet, share, learn and have fun with yarn. Yarn and More welcomes all levels and interests. Some instruction provided for beginners.
Come see Frozen which will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday. When their kingdom becomes trapped in winter forever, Anna and Kristoff must find Snow Queen Elsa to reverse this forever winter.
Tech Time: Experiment! will be held 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Jan. 19. The library will be closed for the Martin Luther King holiday on Jan. 18. For more information, call Leslie Shepley at 410-222-6260.
Free clothing closet, meal
Adults needing clothing are invited to St. John Lutheran Church, 226 Washburn Ave., Brooklyn10-11 a.m. every Thursday to select items from the free clothing closet and to enjoy a free community meal. For more information or to donate clothing, household items (no furniture) or food call the church office at 410-355-7295.
Police relations council brings mental health program to county
Brooklyn Park
Christopher Tyler
tyler
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