Mental Wellness Services

Mental Health First Aid Training @ EduCare

One in five Americans struggle with a mental illness.

Anyone, anywhere, can make a difference in the life of someone with a mental health or substance use challenge – if they know what to do and what to say. This training provides the skills and knowledge to help others in crisis.

Yet, more than two-thirds go without treatment. Just as physical health First Aid and CPR training help assist a person experiencing a physical health crisis, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis or challenge.

Studies show that each year, more than one in five Americans experience a mental health or substance abuse issue, while only 40% of those affected seek treatment. For friends and family members, it can be hard to know when and how to help. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive the help they need.

Background

Mental Health First Aid was developed in 2001 in Australia by Professor Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor, and Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education. The program was first piloted in the United States in 2008 by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare in order to increase public understanding of these disorders and improve treatment for those affected by them. Peer-reviewed studies published in Australia show that individuals trained in the program:

• Grow their knowledge of signs, symptoms, and risk factors of mental illness and addictions.
• Can identify multiple types of professional and self-help resources for individuals with a mental illness or substance use disorder.
• Increase their confidence in and likelihood to help an individual in distress.
• Show increased mental wellness themselves.

About the Course

The Mental Health First Aid program is an interactive 8-hour course that can be conducted as one full-day session, or two half-day sessions spaced over a short period of time. It introduces participants to:

• The potential risk factors and warning signs for common mental health disorders
• An understanding of the prevalence of mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in their communities
• A five-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources, and knowledge to assess the situation, select and implement appropriate interventions, and help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional care.
• The appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health challenge

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion. Mental Health First Aid certification must be renewed every three years.

The course can be delivered with a focus on adults or youth. Both courses are 8 hours long, designed for participants 18 years and older, involve hands-on activities, offer an overview of local resources, and provide a resource manual that participants can take with them.

Who should become a Mental Health First Aider?

Everyone can benefit from this program. Specific audiences for each training vary, but include faith communities, educators and educational staff, police and corrections staff, businesses, nursing home staff, mental health support staff, family members, and the general public.

How to Be Re-Certified in Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid certifications expire three years after successful completion of the 8-hour, in-person course. When your certification expires, you will receive an email with the link to the online re-certification course, but it can also be accessed through National Council’s Mental Health First Aid USA Online Re-Certification website. The course can be completed in 90 minutes or less. Once you pass the re-certification course, you will automatically receive a new Certificate of Completion that you can download and print.

For more information about the Mental Health First Aid program or to request training, please contact: Mr. Dunrick Sogie-Thomas, CPRP, CAMS-I, MA. Chief Executive Office and Administrative Training Coordinator/Trainer at EduCare Support Services, Inc. at 240-450-2092 or at info@educaremd.org

Mr. Dunrick Sogie-Thomas is master’s Level Mental Health Practitioner and a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor with The Mental Health Association of Maryland He is able to conduct classes independently throughout the communities.