Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Mental health first aid gaining momentum
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education program designed to teach everyday citizens the skills to help another person who is struggling with a mental health concern or a crisis. Since July, Chester County has held four eighthour training sessions and more than 100 individuals from all walks of life have become certified Mental Health First Aiders.
The program, currently provided through the county at no cost, is gaining momentum. On Oct. 22, 24 individuals who work in public safety, mostly police officers, completed the course and became certified Mental Health First Aiders. Through a partnership with the county, Brandywine Health Foundation, the COAD Group and the Coatesville Area School District, MHFA is being provided to school staff, including teachers, nurses, secretaries, custodians and others. And two of the three community trainings scheduled for November and December are full, having reached the 30-person limit. By the end of 2014, I expect county’s number of Mental Health First Aiders to more than double.
So, why are people taking eight hours out of their busy schedules to participate in this type of training? They are doing it for the same reasons people take similar trainings for physical health. The benefits of regular first aid programs for physical emergencies have been well documented. Certified first aiders are prepared for a variety of emergencies and have skills to help someone who has been injured. They may also save the life of a loved one, or the life of a stranger. Certified first aiders gain confidence to assess potentially dangerous situations and take appropriate action until professionals arrive. A first aid certification also gives an individual additional credentials that may assist with employment or volunteer opportunities.
Mental Health First Aid has similar benefits. It offers practical skills that anyone can apply to possibly save another person from developing a mental health disorder, or even save the life of someone who is in a mental health crisis and contemplating suicide. And, just as regular first aid does not certify someone to be a physician or surgeon, Mental Health First Aid does not certify anyone to become a therapist or counselor. First aiders do not diagnose or treat individuals, but direct individuals to the appropriate professionals.
Mental health concerns are a part of all our lives. With one in four people developing a mental health concern each year in the United States, it is imperative that we’re informed and
prepared to help. Mental Health First Aid, which is regulated by the National Council on Behavioral Health, has been researched and proven to be effective. If you’d like to find out more about it, visit the website, www. mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
If you’d like to sign up for one of Chester County’s free trainings, contact me at Chester County’s Department of Mental Health /Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The 2015 training schedule will be out soon. Tracy Behringer is the community outreach liaison for the Chester County Department of Mental Health/Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. You can reach her at tbehringer@ chesco.org.