Chai Lifeline’s crisis and trauma response team continues to grow and expand its network of support in South Florida. In recent weeks, Chai Lifeline Southeast presented a series of lectures, workshops, and events for local rabbis, educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders on various trauma-related topics.
On January 15, Chai Lifeline Southeast and Hatzalah of South Florida hosted an exclusive presentation for Hatzalah members with Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services, addressing the nuances which differentiate a mental health crisis from a medical emergency. The program covered rapid assessment of a patient in crisis, risk assessment, techniques for communication, and de-escalating the agitated patient. Yeshiva Elementary School in Miami hosted a January 16 workshop for yeshiva administrators on “Stress, Distress, and Anxiety in the School” featuring Dr. Fox. On Sunday, February 5, Aventura Chabad hosted a special Chai Lifeline Southeast presentation for mental health professionals addressing sudden traumatic incidents during the course of psychotherapy, presented by Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services. Scheduled Chai Lifeline Southeast crisis and trauma workshops and events are also planned for Yeshiva Toras Chaim / Mechanchim Kollel in Miami Beach, Torah Academy of Boca Raton, Katz Yeshiva High School in Boca Raton, Jewish Community Services of South Florida.
“Local yeshivas, schools, shuls, and organizations have reached out to Chai Lifeline for guidance and resources in responding to all forms of challenging and traumatic situations,” said Esther Leah Sandhaus, MSW, Chai Lifeline Southeast director of programs and services. “Chai Lifeline is here to meet the needs of our community and our rapidly expanding team of crisis and trauma volunteers is ready to assist.”
In January and February, Chai Lifeline Southeast also offered a series of training sessions for their new, growing crisis and trauma volunteer cohort. If you would like to become a member of the Chai Lifeline Southeast crisis team, contact esandhaus@chailifeline.org.
To learn more about Chai Lifeline Crisis Services, visit www.chailifeline.org/crisis.
