Burlington County residents who want to learn more about community and school programs and services to prevent and address crisis due to suicide, homicide, accident and illness are invited to a resource fair Thursday at the Burlington County Institute of Technology, 695 Woodlane Rd., Westampton.
 
The event—from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the school’s atrium—is being held in recognition of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Month and is hosted by the Burlington County Traumatic Loss Coalition (TLC), in collaboration with the Burlington County School Crisis Response Team (BCSCRT). There is no charge.

Many community organizations will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on community-based programs, outreach and prevention programs, crisis services, referrals, mental health services and other support for children, youth, adults, older adults, families and others.

Patricia Miller and Shala Pullen of the Lester A. Drenk Behavioral Health Center will be presenting on “Knowing the Risks and Causes of Depression and Treatment for Children.” The presentation will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

The Burlington County Traumatic Loss Coalition and the Burlington County School Crisis Response Team work together to assist participating school districts following unfortunate losses due to suicide, homicide, accident and illness. The School Crisis Response Team initiative is managed by the Educational Service Unit of the Burlington County Special Services School District.

Crisis team members are trained to assist local district administrators and staff in dealing with all aspects of crisis management. This includes student safety, crisis counseling, coordinating with police and emergency personnel, communication with parents, providing information to the media, and other important tasks.

The Traumatic Loss Coalition brings to the table key stakeholders in school personnel, mental health, social services and advocacy to disseminate information and review best practices in the areas of mental health, trauma and suicide prevention.

For more information on the resource fair or the coalition, contact Elfrieda M. Francis, county traumatic loss coordinator at efrancis@co.burlington.nj.us or 609-265-5538.