LENOX, Mass. — In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Lenox Library will partner with two local organizations to offer free public programs that support mental health throughout the community.

 

First, on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 5:30 p.m., the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention will present their program Talk Saves Lives: A Brief Introduction to Suicide Prevention. This presentation will cover what is known about this leading cause of death, the most up-to-date research on prevention, and what everyone can do to fight suicide. Participants will learn the common risk factors for suicide, how to spot the warning signs in others, and how to keep ourselves, our loved ones, and those in our community safe.

 

Established in 2009, The Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention (BCSP) is a grassroots 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing suicide prevention resources, loss and healing programs, professional trainings, advocacy efforts, and hope to our local community. BCSP is a regional coalition of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention, an organization dedicated to creating awareness and mobilizing community action in response to the public health crisis of suicide in the Commonwealth.

 

Then, on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 5:30 p.m., Lenox Library will partner with The Brien Center for their Community Conversations series. The Brien Center's President and CEO, Christine MacBeth, and Dr. Jennifer Michaels, Medical Director will address the impact of the pandemic on mental health across our community and region, as well as provide strategies and suggested techniques to manage and care for oneself or a loved one. Their presentation will be followed by a question and answer period.

 

The Brien Center is a community-based, nonprofit agency providing behavioral health and addiction treatment services throughout Berkshire County. As the county's largest provider of services, The Brien Center serves about 10,000 children, teens, and adults each year. 

 

Both programs are free and open to the public and will take place at Lenox Library, 18 Main Street, Lenox. Visit https://lenoxlib.org or the Library's Facebook page for more information.