WILLISTON, ND — Individuals from various parts of the region gathered today to access new resources and build confidence in addressing mental health concerns. The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce and Western Star Foundation collaborated to bring Mental Health First Aid training to Williston. This day-long session is equipping participants with essential skills for recognizing and responding to signs of mental health or substance use challenges.
“I think there’s still a really big stigma out there when it comes to mental health, and I think often, people just don’t understand it,” said instructor Calli Thorne. “It is a hard thing to try and understand, but I often, when I leave this class, I’m telling people, if we all just had a little more empathy and understanding for each other, the world would probably be a different place, and I think the tools and resources that this class provides just help educate people.”
The training involved interactive activities, discussions, and an exploration of the signs and symptoms to look for and how to respond. Thorne expressed hope that this experience will empower individuals to support others in the future.
“To maybe have conversations that before they wouldn’t feel comfortable having, and sometimes, it’s the elephant in the room,” she said. “Like oh, do we say something when we know something happened, or even when it seems like somebody is struggling? Do I know what to say to them? And that’s what we’re able to give them the tools to be able to comfortably do so.”
Megan Lis, an attendee at the event, highlighted the practical value of these tools, particularly in rural areas like Williston.
“It’s something that is really impactful to our day-to-day, and so these amazing people that are able to source our food or just keep this community operational, doing that requires a healthy mindset,” Lis said. “And if you’re not focused on that and bettering yourself or just helping out when people are low, you can’t function as a society.”
Jills Olds, another participant, emphasized that the training goes beyond awareness; it's about being someone others can rely on.
“Some of the things to say back to people if they do come to you and say that they are having issues, just trying to be understanding of that, nonjudgmental, and asking them if they want to talk more about it or how you can help support them through that,” Olds said.
The Upper Missouri District Health Unit also participated in the event, providing guidance on recognizing an overdose and properly administering Narcan.
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