{"id":3631,"date":"2022-02-11T16:11:54","date_gmt":"2022-02-11T22:11:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthfund.org\/a\/?page_id=3631"},"modified":"2022-04-01T06:54:24","modified_gmt":"2022-04-01T12:54:24","slug":"mental-health-first-aid-public","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/healthfund.org\/a\/mental-health-first-aid-public\/","title":{"rendered":"Mental Health First Aid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is a proven and effective resource that teaches lay people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in their community. In this one-day, 6.5-hour online training, participants will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and substance use concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. The training helps anyone who wants to learn how to provide initial help to someone who may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or crisis, and provides tools to help friends, family members, colleagues, and others in the community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, MHFA teaches about recovery<\/em> and resiliency<\/em> \u2013 the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and can use their strengths to stay well. Trainees also learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, then practice through role play, scenarios, and activities \u2014 making it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are offering these virtual sessions at no cost to Kansans. Each person should register individually, even if multiple people from one organization are attending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Mental Health First Aid?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack\u2014we\u2019d start CPR, or at least call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aid can even save lives.\u201d
www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly one in five Americans has a mental illness or substance use disorder, yet many are reluctant to seek help or simply don\u2019t know where to turn for care. Recognizing mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult, which is why it\u2019s so important for everyone to understand the warning signs and risk factors. Even when friends and family of someone who may be developing a mental illness recognize that something is amiss, they may not know how to intervene or direct the person to proper treatment. All too often, those in need of mental health services do not get them until it is too late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n