Valley courses to teach mental health first aid

Jan. 06--The Valley Substance Abuse Action Council has received funding to help train the public in recognizing and responding to signs of mental health issues in children and adults.

According to VSAAC Director Pamela Mautte, Valley United Way has provided VSAAC, a BH Care program, with $2,250 to teach mental health first aid classes.

"VSAAC staff have been nationally certified to teach the class; the funding is provided to teach anybody on how to be a mental health first aider (much like a CPR certification)," Mautte said.

The eight-hour courses will be held at VUW offices or another host site, and will include a "Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid" and a "Mental Health First Aid for Law Enforcement and Public Safety" course, Mautte said.

The youth course is geared to introduce participants to recognize the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, build understanding of the importance of early intervention and teach individuals how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.

The adult course will educate about the prevalence of mental illnesses in the U.S. and their emotional and economic cost, the potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders, five-step action plans to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care, and resources available to help someone with a mental health problem.

The course for local police and public safety officials will provide a better awareness of the particular needs of people with mental illness, and teach an officer or staff person to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Mautte said the classes will arm participants with a five-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care.

"In addition, it helps to break down the stigma surrounding mental illness which often prevents people from seeking help or even acknowledging they need help," she said.

For more information about mental health issues or information about class enrollment, visit www.vsaac.org.

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