FY 2021 Mini-Grant Program for Suicide Prevention in the Workplace
Check out this Mini-Grant Program that the Mental Health Recovery Board Serving Warren & Clinton Counties will be offering soon!
The Application will be up on their website by mid to late October, and first grant applications accepted in early November if not earlier.
What is the Mini-Grant Program for suicide prevention?
Many people have had major changes to their jobs recently, whether they lost a job, had their job change, or are required to work from home. With the potential for despair around their economic situation, some staff may consider suicide as the answer to helping their families. Anxiety and depression can also manifest itself in ways that affect productivity or attendance.
This program would provide up to $2500 for local businesses to run suicide prevention programs for their employees and provide information about local resources and agencies where they can find help for themselves or a family member, if necessary.
Why is this necessary?
The COVID-19 crisis has created a lot of uncertainty for lots of people and businesses. Closures earlier in the pandemic forced many businesses, small and large, to furlough or even outright layoff staff because of the inability to do business. And even if they have returned to some job, they may not be making as much as before, which still creates a cycle of despair and feeling that there will be no end to it.
Even as the economy reopens, some employees may still be struggling with their job. Many may worry about finances, having to choose between paying bills, making mortgage or rent, or feeding their families. This despair can create a feeling that their families would be better off without the person who is not working.
What can businesses use the money for?
If a grant is awarded, businesses may use the funds to create a suicide prevention program for their staff. Things such as bringing a speaker for a staff meeting, purchasing literature about preventing suicide, or creating and putting up informative posters in breakrooms with contact information for local mental health organizations are just a few of the possibilities.
How does a business apply?
The application will soon be available on the MHRB website. Local businesses can complete and send it to MHRB for consideration.
How soon after applying would a decision be made?
Applications would be due on the 15th day of the month for consideration. MHRB has until the end of the following month to review and approve. If approved, the grant check would be sent shortly after approval.
What kind of reporting is required if a business gets a grant?
All approved grants will be required to provide a final financial report that shows how the grant money was spent and a short narrative report that provides MHRB with some information as to what was provided, how it was provided and how successful it was.
201 Reading Rd., Mason, OH 45040 | (513) 695-1695 | mhrbwcc.org
