As the holiday season approaches, it is crucial to prioritize and nurture your mental health. Among the festivities, it's common to experience increased stress, anxiety, or feelings of loneliness. Remember to set realistic expectations for yourself and others, acknowledging that not every moment needs to be perfect.

• Prioritize self-care by incorporating activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether taking a walk, practicing mindfulness, or enjoying a favorite hobby.
• Maintain open communication with loved ones about your needs and boundaries, fostering a supportive environment.
• Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity also promote mental well-being.
• If the feelings of anxiety or stress start becoming overwhelming, seek professional help.

Embrace the season's spirit by prioritizing your mental health, allowing you to enjoy the festivities and create meaningful connections with those around you.

The Saline County Health Department and Saline County staff have been busy getting trained in Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps to identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.

Implementing mental health first aid training for the staff in Saline County is a crucial step towards ensuring the well-being of residents and employees. Mental health first aid equips staff with the tools to approach mental health concerns with empathy, understanding, and a proactive mindset, fostering a healthier and more supportive community overall. For Saline County staff to identify signs and symptoms and offer appropriate assistance, the community benefits from a more compassionate and resilient environment.

To learn more about Mental Health First Aid, click here.

Meet our WIC (Women, Infant and Children) Clerk- Administrative Assistant, Teresa Weiser! Teresa has been an invaluable member of the Health Department since November 2021. As a WIC Clerk, Teresa plays a crucial role in supporting individuals seeking WIC services. From guiding applicants through the screening process to promoting the WIC program through community outreach and networking, Teresa is at the forefront of ensuring the accessibility and awareness of the Health Department.

“I enjoy the opportunity to help my community and better the quality of life for those we serve. The Health Department is an integral part of our community that is one of the best, but often overlooked for resources available,” Teresa said.

Teresa joined the Health Department, embarking on a new chapter of her life after the loss of her husband. Having been her husband's caregiver, Teresa found purpose in her first role as Covid Tracer, allowing her to channel her compassion and care into supporting the community during a critical time.

“Teresa’s energetic spirit, attention to detail, and knowledge of community resources has been a wonderful addition to our WIC team. She is a blessing to us and the clients we serve,” Virginia Soukup, WIC Coordinator.

When asked what she wished more people knew about the Health Department, Teresa said, “I truly wish the people of our community knew that the Health Department has so many resources to offer the community from immunizations, health testing, home health assistance, to hospital visits to new moms, nutritional and education support, breastfeeding support, Childcare licensing, just to name a few. I wish more of the community knew how truly multi-faceted and caring we are.”

Beyond work, Teresa is a proud fur mama of two precious but very spoiled chihuahuas, Princess Laya and Daisy May.

Thank you for being an essential part of our team, Teresa!