Michigan is facing a serious shortage in the availability and accessibility of mental health services. Among those placed most at risk by this shortage are Michigan children, particularly children living in rural areas, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, and those living in poverty. Link to Source
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Suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline CONTACT We Care last evening welcomed in its newest class of volunteer listeners and texters while also honoring veteran volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to the organization and its callers.
CONTACT We Care each month responds to more than 1,400 calls and texts from people in crisis and relies on more than 200 trained volunteers to provide an empathetic ear to help them see they have options, according to Joanne Oppelt, the hotline’s executive director.
MOST IMPROVED (Largest increase of courses held) State/Area 2012 Courses 2013 Courses % Increase Oklahoma 94 479 409.57% Vermont 51 214 319.61% District of Columbia 279 1151 312.54% Utah 175 679 288.00% Indiana 214 827 286.45% TOP SCORERS (highest number of people trained) State Total Trained California 21,378 Missouri 11,880 Colorado 8,552 Illinois … Seguir leyendo
Understanding mental health and what to look for if someone you know may suffer from it was the goal Saturday in Tifton. Mental Health First Aid Trainings educated the community with tools on how to spot mental illnesses. Link to Source
The suicide rate in Kansas has increased 53 percent in the past 12 years and local efforts are underway to bring awareness to the issue. Bill Persinger, executive director of the Mental Health Center of East Central Kansas, spoke to Lyon County commissioners Wednesday morning during their study session about the statistics. Link to Source
As many as 200 Jefferson County employees will receive the eight-hour training to learn about mental health first aid “kits,” or action plans. They include step-by-step guidance on how to recognize and handle mental health situations. Link to Source
As many as 70,000 Kansas children under age 18 have emotional/behavioral problems, and many are reluctant to seek help or might not know where to turn for care. The symptoms of mental illness can be difficult to detect — even when friends and family of someone who appears to be developing a mental illness can … Seguir leyendo
PHOENIX – A lawmaker wants to expand a state program that trains adults to identify and assist individuals showing warning signs of a mental crisis to include a focus on adolescents. “We have become painfully aware over the past few years that many of our kids are struggling, and nobody notices until it’s too late,” … Seguir leyendo
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The Department of Health and Human Services recognized the first group of instructors to graduate the state’s new Youth Mental Health First Aid program. As an instructor, these individuals are able to go out in the community and teach people how to recognize, but not treat, symptoms that youth suffering from a mental … Seguir leyendo
Bleeding or choking usually comes to mind when people think about first aid, but for some students, first aid involves learning how to talk someone out of suicide. The Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center is offering Mental Health First Aid certification training March 7 and 8. Link to Source
U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., received the 2014 Allies in Action Award from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention last week. The honor was for introducing the Mental Health First Aid Act, which is aimed at improving recognition of early signs of mental health problems and getting them community help. Full Text
Representative Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) proposed legislation to authorize the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to administer a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training program and accompanying grants. Youth Mental Health First Aid training teaches trainees to detect mental illnesses and substance abuse issues and how to respond effectively to them. Link to … Seguir leyendo
Twenty one percent of adult Oklahomans — 700,000-950,000 individuals — reported having a mental health issue during the past year, according to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Mental illnesses includes major depression, major anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder and schizophrenia.
To strengthen mental health efforts for veterans, the bill would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish an education and support program to educate and train family members and caregivers of veterans on different mental health disorders. This would help family members identify triggers and risk factors related to possible mental health issues. In … Seguir leyendo
This month we learned of the tragic deaths of two Colorado high school students who attended Douglas County High School, and it seems long ago when we in Larimer County enjoyed a school year without a youth suicide. Link to Source
The topic of mental health has become more open and knowledgeable as the public learns about mental illness and substance abuse. Mike Deal, executive director of the Southwest Behavioral Health Center explains in a KCSG Community Window interview the purpose of the center’s creation and function.
Although hundreds of prisoners with mental illness remain in solitary confinement, sometimes for extended periods of time, prison leaders are improving mental health treatment and disciplinary policy to more humanely treat their mentally ill populations. Link to Source
People from service organizations, churches and others just wanting to learn more got a lesson in mental health CPR.
The program developed in Australia in 2001 helps people understand what mental health illness is and how to recognize the warning signs of mental illness, so they can get help before there’s a crisis.
Mental illness affects each individual differently. Some self-mutilate. Some abuse drugs. Some consider suicide. Some die from their illness to escape the pain.
Sharon C. Engdahl has met with them all. And she believes that just as administering CPR at the onset of symptoms can prevent death, seeking early intervention can save the life of someone suffering from mental illness.
From Columbine to Sandy Hook Elementary School, the gunmen behind America’s worst school shootings have all had serious mental health issues. Thus, some Texas school districts have decided to take extreme measures to protect students. A few weeks ago, Argyle ISD approved a plan to arm some teachers. Link to Source
Gun violence is clearly a national crisis. Horrific instances of mass violence get the most attention, but instances of single-shootings gun violence are much more common and just as deadly. What is psychology’s best advice to policymakers to solve the gun violence epidemic? Link to Source
A mental health agency in Champaign is working to reduce the stigma around mental illness, which it says affects about a quarter of American adults every year. Community Elements Social Worker Linda Culton said the agency will hold a two-day Mental Health First Aid training course next week, where people will learn how to help … Seguir leyendo
Chances are you know someone with mental illness. It could be a friend, family member, neighbor or acquaintance. Studies show that one in four people experience some kind of mental health issue in their lifetime. Mental illness is quite common, and yet we as a society often find it difficult to discuss. Why is that? … Seguir leyendo
Senator Eleanor Sobel, (D – Hollywood), is on a mission: ensuring that people can identify the signs of mental illness and substance abuse. Too often, a young girl will hide her struggle with anorexia from a worried parent, or a husband will sneak away for another swig of alcohol. Senate Bill 574 establishes a “Mental … Seguir leyendo
In March, campus security will be the first district staff members to undergo training in “Mental Health First Aid,” a program offered through the Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network that shows how to spot a developing emotional or mental health crisis and steps to take until help arrives or the crisis passes. Link to Source
Mental health again was a hot topic in this year’s General Assembly session following an incident involving a state senator’s son. Last year, Gus Deeds, the son of Bath County Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Dist. 25), stabbed his father and then killed himself. Link to Source
Chicago Health Executives Forum (CHEF), the largest independent chapter of the American College of Health Executives (ACHE), has named Gina Sharp, MBA, FACHE, President, Linden Oaks at Edward, as the recipient of its 2013 Early Career Healthcare Executive Award, which recognizes executive achievement for those under 40. Link to Source
Mental health first aid discourages gun violence, as it helps lay people identify mental illness in those persons that might exhibit potential stress issues. The front line of this new treatment is instructing teachers on the warning signs of mental stress and mental illness in their students. Link to Source
Lawmakers are once again trying to establish a training program that would help teachers identify the signs of mental illness. The bill died last year but the bill’s sponsor likes its chances this time around. Link to Source
When the omnibus spending bill was signed into law by the president, most of the attention was – quite understandably – on the big-ticket items: defense, border security, health care and the like. But included in that budget was a $15 million gem that is an important positive step for those of us working to … Seguir leyendo
As a result of the Fiscal Year 2014 “Consolidated Appropriations Act” (P.L. 113-76), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will provide expanded help to meet the mental health needs of individuals, families and communities across the nation. The $276 million additional funding above the FY13 post-sequestration level will enable SAMHSA to better … Seguir leyendo
Over the past year there have been numerous debates and hearings on Capitol Hill culminating in a series of legislative proposals that await further action or have completely stalled. Except for one — the Mental Health First Aid program championed by Alaska U.S. Sen. Mark Begich. Link to Source
The new federal budget brings good news for mental health and substance use disorder treatment. When sequestration – the automatic spending cuts imposed last year – is taken into account, overall MH/SUD funding has increased. For example, the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) block grant, which pays for the lion’s share of publicly funded … Seguir leyendo
As a result of the Fiscal Year 2014 “Consolidated Appropriations Act” (P.L. 113-76), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will provide expanded help to meet the mental health needs of individuals, families and communities across the nation. The $276 million additional funding above the FY13 post-sequestration level will enable SAMHSA to better … Seguir leyendo
Mental illness is an illness that requires immediate treatment once a person is diagnosed. This diagnosis might happen earlier because mental illness now has its own first aid program. An eight-hour training session called Mental Health First Aid teaches people how to identify a mental health issue and how people can help. The Mental Health … Seguir leyendo
Power to the Purple Night seeks to inspire conversations about youth mental health and promote mental well-being. Mental health isn’t always easy to talk about but it’s definitely worth talking about – the earlier a mental illness is recognized and treated, the better the chances are for recovery. Power to the Purple empowers people to start … Seguir leyendo
It’s a tale that has thrust Southeastern North Carolina in the national spotlight over the complicated relationship between the police and people who have mental illness. Advocates and law enforcement are both calling for more officers to receive training to deal with people experiencing a mental health crisis in the community. Link to Source
Access Press recently reviewed last year’s headlines for the disability community. There were also some very important changes to the mental health system that should be noted. Link to Source
The map outlines the total number of people trained in Mental Health First Aid, by state, through December 2013. Figures in parentheses represent the number of instructors. States are color coded based on the percentage of their population trained in the program. State Total Trained % Population Instructors Alabama 900 0.019% 42 Alaska 1155 0.158% … Seguir leyendo
Steele has worked with Orr on legislation such as a bill to fund mental-health first aid, and it’s useful for members of the minority party to have a member of the majority who will help them get their bills heard.
Life as a teen can be hard. It’s even harder when dealing with anxiety, depression, addiction or mental health issues. To help young friends, neighbors and family members who are in crisis mode, Mental Health Partners will host an upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid class at Broomfield United Methodist Church. Link to Source
A plan to direct the Department of Children and Families to establish a mental health first aid training program unanimously passed its first Senate committee Tuesday. SB 574 would increase awareness of the signs of mental illness and familiarize participants with the local support network that exists. Link to Source
A bill aimed at forestalling school shootings by teaching adults to detect disturbed teenagers and intervene before it’s too late has passed the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee, as Florida Current reports. Link to Source
Illinois mental health agency Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) recently won the Mental Health First Aid Community Impact Award.
Working closely with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the Oklahoma School Security Institute has selected an 8-hour training course called “Mental Health First Aid for Youth” that is now being offered to schoolteachers, school staff members and others, such as law enforcement officers and public safety officials. Full Text
FLINT, MI – How do you approach someone thought to be struggling with a mental illness? What are the right steps to take? Full Text
When someone is having a heart attack or choking, most people know what to do. When someone is having a mental-health crisis, there are few symptoms and even less knowledge on how to react. Full Text
I’ve taken regular first aid, and I’ve used both, but certainly the opportunities to use Mental Health First Aid are much more abundant.
AltaPointe Health Systems is offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training courses that can teach you how to spot the signs of someone experiencing a mental health crisis and the steps to take to help. The public is invited to register at AltaPointe.org. “I think everyone should take a mental health first aid course,” Mark Miele, … Seguir leyendo
As part of an ongoing effort to help improve public understanding of mental health issues in Connecticut, the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network and The Department of Psychiatry at The Hospital of Central Connecticut are sponsoring a free public event Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at The Hospital of Central Connecticut. The event, titled “Raising … Seguir leyendo
