Disaster and Mental Health
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director - United Way Charlotte County (UWCC)
It’s been an incredible experience for me to be on the Executive Board for the United Way Florida (UWOF). Meeting and learning from many United Way leaders is an asset for me but as well it benefits our community.
One of the true gems that I have gleaned from my time on the UWOF board is my relationship with Melissa Nelson, President & CEO. It is my pleasure to announce that Melissa will be a speaker for the upcoming 2nd Annual United at Work Summit on January 14, 2025. Although hurricane season is officially over, the lingering effects are very evident. Her experience working with many Florida counties amongst an unprecedented number of hurricanes these last several years has led to an invaluable source of wisdom and comfort which will benefit Charlotte County.
There are only a few local United Ways focusing on ALICE in the vein of UWCC’s United at Work program. In fact, we are one of only a handful in the country. After our United at Work Summit last year, we worked quarterly with 20 community business partners to foster resilience and collaboration in the workplace. We heard from cohorts on changing behaviors but decided that we needed to take it one step further. Mental health in the workplace is a growing concern.
Specifically, identifying and responding to mental health indicators well before a person needs to be offered an employee assistance program is possible. Many factors exacerbating one’s state of mind come from the stressors of finances, working multiple jobs, food insecurity and for sure multiple disasters. Helping businesses small and large to establish preventive and protective measures for their employees can go a long way to improve employee retention rates, which is very costly to a business. But more importantly, it is just the right thing to do.
There is no denying that mental health awareness is an issue in our community. Our friends over at Charlotte Behavioral Health Care can attest to the rise of people in our community needing immediate assistance with mental health or a substance use crisis. In fact, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office also has an IRIS unit (Integrated Response for Intervention and Support) which combines the efforts of mental health professionals, paramedics and law enforcement to provide support and services within our community.
Mike Luster, Lead Clinician & Mental Health Trainer to be our Keynote Speaker is flying in specifically for the summit. Mike is also Founder of Mental Health Resources, and shares 40% of employees that take time off due to a mental health condition are taking up to 10 days a year and 60-80% of workplace accidents are attributed to stress.
Robyn Faucy, CEO Results 1st, along with Troy C. Smith, Inspirational Speaker and Leadership Coach will be presenting. In addition, there will be a panel of experts from local businesses discussing strategies for engaging and empowering employees to excel in the workplace. By highlighting successful initiatives, these leaders will demonstrate how investing in employee well-being and development can lead to higher productivity and retention.
Join us for the only event of its kind in Charlotte County for only $50 which includes food, refreshments and all sessions. You will enjoy a full day of interactive experiences including a special keynote speaker, featuring panels, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. For more information or to register, please visit: UnitedWayccfl.org/Lingering
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.