Mental Health Task Force

POLK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE

Who We Are

The Mental Health Task Force of Polk County, Wisconsin is a grassroots, non-profit organization of area mental health providers, social service agencies, government and law enforcement representatives, health care facilities, and community members. Goals of the Task Force include:

  • Reduce stigma associated with mental health issues

  • Improve access to mental health care

  • Increase awareness of mental health issues via educational programming

  • Identify and address mental health issues that face our community

Mission Statement

The Mental Health Task Force of Polk County, Wisconsin is committed to:

  • Being a leader in identifying issues faced by all people affected by mental illness

  • Facilitating improvements in mental health services

  • Giving consumers and families a strong voice

  • Reducing stigma

  • Implementing recovery principles

Connecting You To Resources!

· When you have a problem with your heart, you go to a cardiologist. When you have a toothache, you go to the dentist. When you break your leg, you see your family doctor. So why do we hesitate to get help when we have a problem with our mental health? Unfortunately, we may believe that we should "snap out of it," "pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps," or just "buck up."

This kind of thinking is shame-based, and rather than healing, it makes our mental health problems worse.

· The Mental Health Task Force of Polk County is committed to challenging negative attitudes about mental illness and reducing the stigma of seeking treatment.

· We can help you find answers to some of the most common mental health questions and connect you to resources in your community.

There is help!

Contact Information

The Mental Health Task Force of Polk County

PO Box 432

St. Croix Falls, WI 54024

MentalHealthPolk.org

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the National Center for PTSD are pleased to make the Psychological First Aid for Schools Field Operations Guide and accompanying handouts available. Psychological First Aid for Schools is an evidence-informed approach for assisting children, adolescents, adults, and families in the aftermath of a school crisis, disaster, or terrorism event.

The PFA-S Field Manual is divided into the following sections:

Introduction and Overview

Preparing to Deliver Psychological First Aid

The Core Actions

  • Contact and Engagement

  • Safety and Comfort

  • Stabilization

  • Information Gathering: Current Needs and Concerns

  • Practical Assistance

  • Connection with Social Supports

  • Information on Coping

  • Linkage with Collaborative Services