The Mental Health Awareness Committee invites you to be part of our dedicated & mutually supportive team.  This committee plays a critical role in raising awareness on the unique mental health challenges faced by older adults. Our goal is to share resources and best practices to ensure our area seniors receive the support they need to thrive.

Who we are:

The BLS Mental Health Awareness Committee is a group of individuals with a passion for mental health awareness that primarily work in the senior industry and have a drive to share this mission.  We are focused on promoting mental well-being, especially for older adults, by discussing challenges, sharing resources (like for hurricane recovery and other disasters), connecting professionals, and hosting events on topics.  We hold monthly meetings via Zoom the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 am to discuss crucial topics aimed at promoting mental well-being among seniors and those who serve them. 

Key Aspects:

• Focus: Raising mental health awareness, supporting seniors, sharing best practices, and providing community resources. Topics we focus on are grief & loss, depression & anxiety, loneliness & isolation, suicide awareness and prevention.
• Activities: Monthly meetings, guest speakers (officers, wellness experts), networking, and discussions on relevant topics (e.g., post-disaster recovery, suicide prevention).
• Target Audience: Seniors, caregivers, and professionals serving the senior community.
• Organizer: Better Living for Seniors (BLS) organization in Pinellas County, Florida.

How YOU can get involved:

Attend Meetings: Look for their event listings on the BLS Pinellas website (blspinellas.org) for Zoom links and topics.

1. Email the Chair: Contact the committee chair for more information or to join the team.
2. Network: Join their general meetings and consortium events for connections and resources. 
3. Ask any member of BLS to connect you with a committee member.

Together, we can make a positive impact on mental health in our community!