In Other News

GCHD OFFICE HOURS

MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Health District will revise its office hours on a six-month trial basis beginning Monday, Sept. 29.

The revised hours will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon except on the first Friday of each month which is set aside for staff meetings. 

Currently, the office – located at 1038 W. Ivy Ave. in Moses Lake – is closed on Fridays. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

GCHD administrator Theresa Adkinson said the operational change will be reviewed after six months to determine whether there are enough public visits and contacts with the office to continue remaining open on Fridays.

The proposal was approved by members of the Grant County Board of Health during their Sept. 10 meeting.

SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

EPHRATA – September is Suicide Prevention Month, and local officials have announced two free community trainings aimed at raising awareness and resources to support those in crisis.

“These trainings give everyday people the tools to recognize when someone is struggling and know how to respond. Prevention is possible, and together we can save lives,” announced Renew, a behavioral health and wellness provider in Grant County that is promoting the events.

They are:

-         Question-Persuade-Refer, an online, one-hour session providing information to recognize suicide warning signs and steps to take that offer hope and help save lives. The free virtual training seminar will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22 (Spanish language registration) and Tuesday, Sept. 23 (English registration).

-         Mental Health First Aid, a daylong, in-person seminar scheduled Thursday, Nov. 20, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Quincy Valley Business and Event Center, 101 State Route 28 West in Quincy. Registration is needed for the free course, sponsored by Thriving Together North Central Washington.

Help is also available at any time for someone in crisis by calling  (800) 852-2923 or visiting crisisconnections.org.