BHS PTO Council Health and Wellness Committee Hosts Monthly Events

The Bloomfield Hills Schools PTO Council’s Health and Wellness Committee, composed of parent volunteers, Birmingham/Bloomfield Community Coalition, Bloomfield Youth Assistance, and dedicated BHS staff members, provides support, information, and workshops to uplift and educate our community. In early October, the committee organized a safeTALK suicide prevention training, facilitated by Yarden Blumstein from The Friendship Circle. This evidence-based training took place at BHHS and was a community collaboration between the Health and Wellness committee, Bloomfield Township Police Department, Bloomfield Township Fire Department, and the Bloomfield Township Senior Center. Participants gained skills to create life-saving connections for people considering suicide. Takeaways from the training included asking people directly if they are thinking about suicide, and connecting them with a mental health professional by calling 988, the national suicide and crisis hotline. BHS School Security Officer Marisa Miller shared information about how and when police officers can support those in need. 

The suicide prevention workshop is the second of many activities planned throughout this school year. On October 20, the committee is planning “The Truth and Consequences of Vaping,” facilitated by the Birmingham/Bloomfield Community Coalition. This event will take place at BHHS from  7 - 8:30 p.m., for middle school age students and older. Parents, staff, and community members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Other workshops planned this year include: teaching children to be the boss of their body, keeping kids safe online, No Place For Hate, family fun night, depression and anxiety, supporting LGBTQIA+ students, substance abuse prevention, and using healthy coping skills in difficult situations.  

Angel Lau, Chair of the PTOC Health and Wellness Committee, shares, “This is our committee’s third year. The mission is to build resilience in our community focused on health and wellness for students, staff, parents, and supporting groups, through events that are impactful, timely, and relevant. We are hoping to have a positive impact in our community. If we are able to help just one person, it will be worth it.”

If you are interested in learning how safeTALK can help prevent suicide, visit www.livingworks.net. If you or someone you know is suicidal or having a crisis, call the national suicide and crisis hotline by dialing 988.