Wilson Blood Drive

A blood drive was held Jan. 24 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Parish Hall in Wilson. The following donations were received: Facility — St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church; Lunch to donors — St. Wenceslaus Altar Society; cinnamon rolls — Ida Dlabal. Blood drive truck loaders and unloaders were Hank Carreon, Jim Dlabal, Gary Everett, Justin Hlaus, Greg Nichols, and Mike Peschka. Lunch prep was organized by Dorothy Brokes. Kitchen helpers were Mary Mattas and Judy Soukup. Receptionists and escorts were Jim Dlabal and Hank Carreon. The blood drive coordinator is Wilma Olds The goal for the day was 26 units with 22 units collected by donors Gary Everett, Larry Foster, Bernard Habiger, Ray Homeier, Joyce Kraus, Phillip Mieszala, Greg Nichols, Karen Peschka, Mike Peschka, Clay Rupp, David Sells, David Soukup, Judy Soukup, Robert Soukup, Richard Staudinger, Dan Steinike, Eldon Whitmer, and J R Zamrzla. The next Wilson blood drive is scheduled for Friday, March 20, in the Wilson Schools commons area, 3009 Ave D, Wilson, Kan.

Learn about Youth Mental Health

Did you know 64.1 percent of youth with major depression do not receive any mental health treatment? Or 1 in 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition? And 5.13 percent of youth report having a substance use or alcohol problem. To help those who work with youth identify mental illnesses, the Midway Extension District is sponsoring a Youth Mental Health First Aid seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Russell County 4-H building. The seminar will teach you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder. This 8-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. Anyone who works with youth — including teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders and parents should plan to attend. Cost to attend is $25 with lunch provided. Registration required to Jessica Kootz by email at jessicak@ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension Office at (785) 472-4442 or (785) 483-3157.

Sources: Mental Health America and National Alliance for Mental Illness.