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 creates shame, 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!

Task Force News

 

giveBIG Osceola

A great big THANK YOU to all who donated money and volunteer time for the giveBIG Osceola online fundraising event!

The first annual giveBIG Osceola online fund drive was a huge success! The Mental Health Task Force received nearly $3,000 in donations, including a $1,000 matching gift from St. Croix Regional Medical Center, and a large donation from a local business. Your gifts will allow the Task Force to continue with our goals of fighting stigma, increasing access to care, and addressing mental health issues that affect our community.  Thanks also to the Osceola Community Health Foundation for spearheading the project.  Looking forward to giveBIG 2014!    Click here to donate to the Mental Health Task Force.

 

 

Upcoming Community Events

 

"Are My Feelings Normal" 

 

Dr. Charles Mayo will be speaking at St. Croix Regional Medical Center on Tuesday, May 21 from 5:30 to 6:30.  This is a free event in recognition of May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  Learn how to tell the difference between normal emotional experiences and when you should seek help from a mental health professional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Professional Education

 

Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Core Competencies for Mental Health Professionals. Friday, June 14, 2013, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, CESA #11 Conference Center, Turtle Lake, Wisconsin.  REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 31.  Sponsored by the Mental Health Task Force of Polk County and Mental Health America of Wisconsin.  Download brochure   REGISTER ONLINE

 

 

 

 

 

If You Are Considering Suicide or Experiencing an Emergency:

 

This website is a learning tool. If you are experiencing an emergency:

• Go to the nearest Emergency Room
• Call the National Suicide Hotline Numbers:  1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Call 911
• Call the Northwest Connections Crisis Hotline at 1-888-552-6642 for emergency mental health or alcohol/drug abuse crisis assistance.  Learn more about Northwest Connections 

 

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