Announcing the New Community Partnerships for Mental Health Information Toolkit!

Posted by Bobbi Newman on October 8th, 2024 Posted in: Blog, News from the Region, Public Health, Public Libraries, Resource Sharing
Tags: caregiver mental health, mental health care providoers, mental health information, rural mental health

We are thrilled to introduce the Community Mental Health Information Community Partnerships Toolkit, a robust resource designed to help community organizations, healthcare providers, educators, and public libraries address mental health information needs within their communities. Developed under the guidance of Bobbi Newman and the NNLM Region 6 State of Iowa Advisory Group, this toolkit provides practical resources, templates, and strategies to foster partnerships, develop impactful mental health programs, and promote community-wide mental health awareness.

Why Focus on Community Mental Health Information?

Mental health challenges are affecting people across all demographics, including veterans, teens, LGBTQIA+ individuals, seniors, and rural communities. Recent CDC reports emphasize the increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, underscoring the urgent need for accessible mental health resources. However, many organizations face barriers to effectively meeting these needs. The Community Partnerships for Mental Health Information Toolkit offers a structured approach to forming partnerships, sharing resources, and creating mental health initiatives that are inclusive, sustainable, and tailored to the specific needs of each community.

What’s Inside the Toolkit?

The Community Partnerships for Mental Health Information Toolkit provides a variety of resources, including:

• Toolkit for Establishing and Maintaining Community Partnerships for Mental Health Information Outreach: This guide assists organizations in identifying and maintaining effective partnerships to address local mental health needs.
• Guide for Locating and Sharing Local Mental Health Resources: Tools and strategies for compiling and sharing essential local mental health information.
• Quick Start Guide: Locating and Collaborating with Community Partners for Mental Health: A framework for identifying and working with community partners to support mental health initiatives, enhancing outreach and resource availability.
• Programming Templates and Guides: Ready-to-use templates for developing community-based mental health programs.
  • Rural Mental Health Information
  • Talking with Mental Health Care Providers
  • Caregiver Support: Mental Health Information for Caregivers
• Iowa Mental Health Resources Bookmarks: Downloadable and printable bookmarks to raise awareness and engage communities.

Who Can Benefit from This Toolkit?

While the Iowa Mental Health Resources Bookmarks are customized explicitly for Iowa, the rest of the toolkit is designed for broad use. Organizations in any state can implement it. These adaptable resources provide a flexible framework to help any community improve mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and build lasting support networks.

This toolkit is a valuable resource for any community organization seeking to improve access to mental health information. Whether you’re a public library, community health department, or non-profit, these resources will help you create partnerships, share valuable mental health resources, and build programs that support mental health awareness.

Building a Healthier, More Informed Community

By using the Community Partnerships for Mental Health Information Toolkit, your organization can make strides toward breaking down barriers, reducing stigma, and creating a supportive environment for mental health conversations. Together, we can make mental health resources more accessible and foster a community where everyone has the information and support they need.

Explore the toolkit today and join us in promoting mental health awareness and community well-being. For more information and to access the toolkit, visit our Mental Health Information Community Partnerships Toolkit page.

ABOUT Bobbi Newman
Bobbi Newman (MLIS, MA) is the Community Engagement and Outreach Specialist for NNLM R6 at the University of Iowa. She is the author of Fostering Wellness in the Workplace: A Guide for Libraries. She developed the popular NNLM course “Wellness in the Library Workplace.” Bobbi is a mindfulness student and a member of Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH). She currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board for Let’s Move in Libraries. She divides her time between her dog, reading fantasy and nonfiction, playing video games, crafting, kayaking, biking, and gardening.

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