FirstEnergy, the parent company of JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light), encourages collaboration between nonprofits and other community based organizations. A grant opportunity was brought forth to Hillsborough Township by the Regional External Affairs consultant, Carol Bianchi.
“In working with the municipalities I represent, I strive to provide the excellent customer service that my areas expect, but another aspect of my position is to assist these communities with information regarding FirstEnergy Foundation and the grant availability through the Foundation,” Bianchi said in a statement released by Hillsborough Township.
“We had a need for funding through the Municipal Alliance for mental health first aid training, and this was a perfect match for the First Energy grant. Thank you to the Hillsborough Education Foundation for applying for it on behalf of the Alliance,” Committeewoman and liaison to the Alliance, Gloria McCauley, said in the statement.
“We were happy to assist in this opportunity for the grant, especially for such an important topic as mental health first aid,” Linda Cummings, president of the Hillsborough Education Foundation, said in the statement.
“This is just another great example of what collaboration and partnerships can accomplish for our community,” Mayor Doug Tomson said in the statement.
A check for $1,000 was presented to HEF to fund the eight hour training program. During the training, attendees will learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. It provides the skills needed to reach out and provide the initial support to someone who may be at risk and helps them connect with the appropriate resources, according to the statement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year more than 45,000 people die by suicide and it is the fourth leading cause of death of among adults in the United States and the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
