The Christian County Health Department is promoting multiple support groups for community members.  One is focused on teen mental health, while the other is for those who are, or were recently, pregnant.  These support groups are meant to connect attendees to valuable resources as well as to each other.

The teen mental health group meets Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. at the Health Department’s offices at 730 North Pawnee Street.  Mental Health Case Manager Peyton Langen is helping run these groups.  She hopes this group and its activities will help continue to challenge stigmas surrounding mental health. 

In her two years so far at the Christian County Health Department, Langen says she has seen a greater willingness in the community to talk about mental health.

The pregnancy/postpartum support group will hold its first meeting on Thursday, April 30 from 6-7 p.m., also at the Health Department’s offices.  It will then become a recurring event, taking place the final Thursday of each month.

Those interested in attending either event can contact the Christian County Health Department by calling (217) 824-4113.

Outside of these sessions, the Health Department reminds community members who intend to serve food at outdoor events that they must apply for and be granted a temporary food permit.  Joe Torres, Director of Environmental Health, adds that the food must be prepared either on site or at an establishment previously approved to prepare and serve food. 

Torres also reminds local food establishments of the Health Department’s food workshops designed to help said locations comply with food safety standards.  Two three-hour sessions will be offered on Wednesday, April 22: one at 9 a.m. and another at 1 p.m.  They will take place at the University of Illinois Extension offices.  Attendees must register by April 17.

More information on the Christian County Health Department is available at www.cchdil.org.

Peyton Langen and Joe Torres appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.