The Task Force is laying the groundwork for a suicide awareness event scheduled for September. Although the specific park reservation details need to be formalized, there is clear intention to mark the date with an event that could include the distribution of educational materials, bubbles, banners, and other swag items to promote mental health awareness. The date holds cultural significance, which the Task Force aims to capitalize on to maximize community engagement and participation.

In preparation for this event, discussions around sponsorship brought to light concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the application of ethics regulations. The Task Force reviewed these regulations with the aim of ensuring that any sponsorship for the event would not breach ethical standards.

Another topic of discussion was the collaboration with the Miami-Dade Police Department to educate the community about their mental health training efforts. Potential partnerships with the Educational Advisory Board and the Special Needs Advisory Board were considered for organizing a workshop, highlighting the Task Force’s approach to integrating various community resources and stakeholders in its mental health initiatives.

The Task Force also touched upon the logistical aspects of their outreach efforts, such as the distribution of a mental health worksheet aimed at helping individuals assess their mental well-being. The worksheet, which is not a substitute for professional medical advice, includes questions on stressors, access to mental health support, and self-awareness. The Task Force is committed to finalizing the details of this worksheet, including the inclusion of Likert scales for a more detailed assessment and ensuring legal approval for disclaimers prior to making it available on their website.

Further discussions ensued about the handling of social media for Mental Health Thursdays, with the town managing initial interactions and the Task Force members contributing additional information. There was a consensus on reaching out to the mayor to initiate Mental Health Thursdays effective May 2024, highlighting the Task Force’s forward planning.

The Task Force also deliberated on the potential for a Veterans Corp event, emphasizing the need for advanced booking and scheduling to avoid any clashes with other events.

Moreover, the meeting included debates on practicalities such as the procurement of promotional items, like T-shirts and tablecloths, and the logistics for upcoming events. One such event is a resource fair at the Farmers Market planned for May, where the Task Force aims to set up a table with banners and mental health resources. Although there was uncertainty about the contracted vendor, the Task Force showed readiness to overcome these challenges to ensure the event’s success.

The planning of a potential masquerade event in June was briefly announced, adding to the list of creative approaches the Task Force is considering to engage the community in mental health awareness.

These discussions underline the Task Force’s efforts to maintain a structured and fair decision-making process.