Mental Health First Aid September 2024 Training

BECOME A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER

Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better. This course is for anyone who wants to help others and have a positive impact on mental health in our community, regardless of background or degree.

WHAT’S INVOLVED

• This is a one-day, interactive and fast-paced training course presented via Zoom. The course is 5.5 hours, including breaks.

• You will be required to complete some course pre-work (approximately one hour) prior to the training session. Pre-work should be completed at least one week prior to training day.

• Once you have successfully completed the training, you will be a certified Mental Health First Aider. You will then be in our network of First Aiders and will receive occasional resources and information relating to mental health in our area and nationally.

• There is no cost to participate in this program, only your commitment. Training is underwritten by North Texas Healthy Communities, the nonprofit outreach arm of Texas Health Resources that facilitates community well-being improvement initiatives and supports Blue Zones Project in Fort Worth.

THE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID & “ALGEE”

Mental Health First Aid is designed to take the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems. The training is not designed to be a substitute for professional intervention and treatment, but a way to support to someone in crisis. Participants learn about potential risk factors and warning signs, strategies for supporting someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help using the 5-step “ALGEE” action plan:

Assess for risk of suicide or harm

Listen nonjudgmentally

Give reassurance and information

Encourage appropriate professional help

Encourage self-help and other support strategies

REGISTRATION

Registration closes on Monday, Sept. 16 or when class is filled. Following registration, you will be contacted by the organizers for additional information. You are not confirmed for training until you receive notification from Mental Health First Aid. If you have registered and do not receive notification, contact Ruby Brown-Herring at ruby@rbhwellness.com.

If you are interested in Mental Health First Aide group training for employees or an organization, please email stephaniejackson@texashealth.org.