Supporting Mental Health Awareness Month
In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, our HPNE leadership teams receive a mental health presentation, and we host a presentation by a guest speaker from NAMI for all employees.
Mental Health Month, or Mental Health Awareness Month dates back to 1949, when Mental Health America kicked off the month's dedication to raise awareness about mental illness, educate, celebrate recovery, and reduce stigmas.
It is imperative that we take time year round to educate ourselves on mental illness and the impacts it can have on an individual's life, as it is estimated that nearly 57.8 million American adults suffer from mental illness, or about one in every five people.
HPNE is committed to creating a safe and accepting workspace, and in doing so, we prioritize bringing awareness and education to employees and customers surrounding mental illness to create a more empathetic and understanding workspace.
Supporting Employee Mental Health at HPNE
According to the World Health Organization, one of the best ways to promote and protect mental health at work is to provide training for managers. This month, our head of Human Resources Jennifer Blose held a presentation for the managers at our company, covering topics such as how to support mental health in the workplace as a Senior Manager or Front-Line Supervisor.
Throughout her presentation, she referenced resources from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), who are supporting Mental Health Awareness Month by providing information on creating a safe workplace to optimize the good headspace of employees. To educate your own business on these topics, check out OSHA’s checklist to support mental health for Senior Managers and Supervisors.
Hosting a Guest Speaker for All Employees
In order to extend support beyond managerial training, this month we also welcomed guest speaker Penny Ferrara of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Her presentation covered topics such as the symptoms of mental illness, coping strategies, and how to show compassion to those who are struggling with a mental illness, and was open to all employees.
During the presentation, employees were encouraged to ask questions, and Penny shared some of her experiences surrounding mental illness, both personally and while working with NAMI.
Visit their website to learn more about their organization, get involved, or to host an informative presentation of your own.
Additional Resources
Below are some resources that may be helpful if you or someone you love are experiencing mental illness and are in need of additional help.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has a helpful database for finding mental health professionals in your area.
For more information on mental health and ways to get help when needed, visit Mental Health America.
Finally, to get involved with efforts supporting mental health advocacy, or to find additional support for you or someone you love, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
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About HPNE
As the industry needs grow, High Purity New England, Inc. continues to supply the biopharmaceutical industry with a range of innovative products, from drug discovery and development to fill-finish, including their flagship product, custom single-use assemblies, as well as pumps, sensors, bioreactor systems, storage and handling solutions and other single-use solutions. Along with their own manufactured products for the global market, they are also a distributor for more than 18 brands in North America.
