During the meeting, there was a dialouge regarding the workshop, which is poised to become a cornerstone event in the task force’s calendar. The members settled on a November timeframe to concentrate efforts on crisis response and to provide education for the general public and caretakers. The task force aims to reach a broad audience, emphasizing the need for community support in crisis situations.

In relation to crisis response, the task force also discussed the creation of a mental health crisis response support palm card. The card would provide essential contact information for emotional support and assistance, catering to the needs of first responders and community members during crisis situations. This initiative is in response to the recognized need for accessible resources and guidance in handling mental health emergencies.

Moreover, the task force reviewed the potential introduction of a small-sized crisis response card, which would be distributed throughout the community, including at local small businesses. This would ensure quick access to vital crisis response resources for families and first responders. The “Be the One” campaign, initiated by the American Legion and Columbia University, was also brought up, offering training classes for identifying risk factors and warning signs of suicidal ideation.

Another topic was the task force’s participation in the upcoming Farmers Market event. The members discussed logistical needs such as tents, tables, chairs, and water bottles, as well as the visual appeal of their booth. There was some uncertainty about whether a spot at the Farmers Market had been reserved and confusion regarding funding for the event. However, the members did touch upon the potential sponsorship by Baptist Hospital and the importance of maintaining a professional focus on mental health resources during personal conversations at the event.

The task force is also working on updating their website to better promote their work and provide resources to the community. The debate centered around whether to include individual names or just the task force’s name on the website. The design and details of t-shirts for the task force were also discussed.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for new banner designs after the original ones were lost. A motion was made to draft new designs, which would include the task force’s logo, mission statement, and phrases like “It’s okay to not be okay.” The task force agreed to have staff create the new designs for approval at their next meeting. The debate extended to the proper wording for the banners, with members considering the visual impact of the words “OK” versus “okay.”

The reimplementation of Mental Health Thursdays was also on the agenda, with a proposed shift in focus from interview-style content to social media posts. There was a suggestion to dedicate the next meeting to creating social media posts for the coming months, aligning them with relevant events. For Mental Health Awareness Month, the task force debated the content of an Instagram post, proposing a green background with the phrase “Be the reason someone smiles,” and the inclusion of the task force’s new logo and the town’s logo.

In line with their community engagement, the task force discussed their role in the NAMI Walk, a major mental health event, and the possibility of creating a team for the walk to represent the group. The logistics of participation were considered, including the creation of a team and the coordination required.

The meeting concluded with operational matters, such as the appointment of a secretary to take notes and the adoption of minutes. A new member was welcomed, and a member mentioned a promotion to a finance role, expressing continued support for the task force’s initiatives.