In the future, Missourians may look back on this decade as a time when mental health initiatives gained traction. Among those initiatives is mental health first aid, the subject of a story in Saturday’s News Tribune. Link to Source
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By the close of the week three clinicians at Genesis Behavioral Health will become certified Mental Health First Aid Instructors equipped to train others from all walks of life to recognize and respond to someone on the verge of crisis arising from mental illness or substance abuse. Link to Source
MANCHESTER (AP) — Thirty people being trained in “mental health first aid” this week will bring what they learn Link to Source
One in four adults in the U.S. will experience mental illness in their lifetime. That statistic provides fuel for the mental health first aid movement, which aims to teach people how to recognize the symptoms and connect people to treatment and resources. Link to Source
The lead sponsors of rival behavioral health reform bills are meeting to negotiate a deal that may have a chance of moving forward in Congress this year. Congressmen Tim Murphy (R-PA) and Ron Barber (D-AZ) led a bipartisan group of legislators in meeting last Tuesday to identify where the two bills have common ground and … Read more
Wednesday night, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Gauger was called to a scene where a man, apparently suffering from dementia, was in an armed standoff with deputies. Full Text
The one thing a teacher should never say to a teenager in crisis is, “You’ll get over it soon.” Full Text
Mental health reform has been in the air since the tragic 2012 mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. In that time, the nation has witnessed 74 more school shootings, including one last week. Justified or not, these crimes continue to fuel public discourse about our present mental health system. Many of these instances, including last month’s mass … Read more
Washington County residents will soon have the opportunity to be trained in mental health first aid, a 21st century worldwide concept that reached the U.S. in the midst of a period of mass shootings. Read More
Howard County officials are looking to a new task force to improve mental health services and address gaps in the system. Read more
Have you ever wondered what to do when someone you know is having an emotional crisis? One out of four people you meet has struggled with a mental health problem at some point. But there is hope. And it is you. Link to Source
The fine OpEd about college campus violence by professors Deborah Rogers and Howard Segal that appeared recently in the BDN got me thinking about how easy it is to miss the signs of an impending or full-blown psychiatric crisis in a college-dorm atmosphere… Link to Source
Governor Sam Brownback, flanked by cabinet secretaries and advocates from across the state, today announced his administration’s plans to continue strengthening the delivery of mental health services in the State of Kansas. Full Text
Several members of Congress have added themselves as cosponsors to the Mental Health First Aid Act and Behavioral Health IT Act in the wake of the National Council’s 10th annual Hill Day, held May 7 in Washington, D.C. Hill Day brought more than 1,200 mental health and substance use advocates to DC for three days … Read more
Fairfax County is offering courses teaching the basics identifying mental health warning signs and helping those who suffer from mental illnesses, useful skills that might save lives. Fairfax County is hoping to make you a first responder. The county is offering courses that allow anyone to receive national certification in mental health first aid. Link to Source
Parents are accustomed to dealing with cuts, broken bones and the physical wounds of childhood. But there is little preparation for what to do when your child is feeling alone, experiencing depression, or even considering taking his own life. Link to Source
Earlier this week, members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce – which oversees many policies related to mental health and substance use – introduced legislation to improve the U.S. behavioral healthcare system. The Strengthening Mental Health in Our Communities Act (H.R. 4574) was introduced by Ron Barber (D-AZ), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Doris Matsui … Read more
This is the second in a four-part series about individuals who have been diagnosed with a mental illness and are living successfully in your community. This series was initiated by NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) PA York County to celebrate Mental Health Month. To quote the late Paul Harvey, we all deserve to hear … Read more
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released its Request for Applications (RFA) related to $15 million in new funding for communities to offer Mental Health First Aid. On April 29, the National Council held a webinar to brief interested individuals and entities about the details of this funding announcement. The webinar … Read more
Many people pay attention to their physical health, but total wellness involves eight basic dimensions: spiritual, financial, social, occupational, intellectual, emotional, physical and environmental. This month, May, has been designated Mental Health Month in America – a time to heighten awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma for those living with mental illness. Link … Read more
A push for new funding — and the use of existing funds — may soon make more resources available to help identify vets who need help with depression or other mental illness through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s “Mental Health First Aid training.”
The National Council, along with leaders from veterans service organizations and fellow mental health advocates, today launched a new training program – Mental Health First Aid for Veterans – that offers participants a simple, proven combination of information and techniques to recognize and respond to the warning signs of mental illness and addiction.
Innovative Program Offers Proven Techniques to Recognize and Respond to Mental Illness and Addiction Contact: Heather Cobb at 202-684-7457 x277 heatherc@thenationalcouncil.org WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Council for Mental Wellbeing (National Council), along with leaders from veterans service organizations and fellow mental health advocates, today launched a new training program – Mental Health First Aid … Read more
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing will launch Mental Health First Aid for Veterans with leaders from veteran service organizations and fellow mental health leaders. Mental Health First Aid for Veterans builds on the evidence-based training program for educators, community leaders, law enforcement and public safety officials. Link to Source
Before giving their children their own cellphones, access to the Internet and video games, parents should develop a media plan, set time limits for use and establish rules their children will be expected to follow or risk losing the privilege.
That was one of the recommendations made by Dr. Paul Weigle, Natchaug Hospital psychiatrist and expert on video game and Internet addiction, during a forum Thursday titled “iSafety: Protecting Kids in the Digital Age.”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has published two new funding opportunity announcements related to the Project AWARE and Mental Health First Aid initiative enacted by Congress in the 2014 budget. The National Council encourages our member organizations and local Mental Health First Aid instructors to collaborate with state and local education agencies to … Read more
Today, I am also alarmed by the lack of focus on the recent tragedies at Fort Hood and centers of Jewish life in Kansas City. I cannot help but wonder: Were there too few victims for this to capture our attention?
Take the Fort Hood shooting: Instead of a serious discussion on the connections between mental health and gun violence, most of what I heard were some members of Congress on TV arguing for allowing guns on bases, even though our military leaders say this would make service members less safe.
Health experts with Optum Idaho are traveling the state helping people from many different backgrounds learn more about mental illness. Instructors are using the latest shooting at Fort Hood as a conversation starter about mental illness and how to spot symptoms of anxiety disorders. Link to Source
Jacqueline Caserio knew that teen depression and suicide were difficult topics for a Girl Scout to tackle. But after learning about several students in the Birmingham area who took their lives, the Marian High School junior and member of Girl Scout troop 40-298 decided she wanted to break through the social stigma of mental illness … Read more
Mary Jo Andrews, Carol Poehnert and several other West Hartford mothers of children with mental-health problems had quietly met for eight years, usually over dinner, to share their experiences and frustrations, and to trade tips and shortcuts learned while navigating the treatment system. Then the Sandy Hook School tragedy happened in December 2012. Link to Source
I recently got a call from George Delgrosso, Executive Director of the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, excited to share the news that the Colorado legislature approved $750,000 to expand Mental Health First Aid in Colorado. What made the difference in getting the appropriation? A legislative staff member took the course and became a champion of … Read more
Cherokee Nation Behavioral Health trained the students on mental health first aid last summer, and each “preventer” is now a certified mental health first-aid responder. Link to Source
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England Award at the House of Lords in recognition of the school’s … Full Text Outlet: Evening Gazette (Middlesbrough) Publication Date: 03/22/2014 Media Group: Print Country: United Kingdom Circulation: 30,137
“So, are you thinking of killing yourself?” Uttering the words is painfully emotional, even within the safe confines of practicing them in a class like Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network’s Mental Health First Aid. But asking the question could save a life. Link to Source
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
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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
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 … Read more
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
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
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
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% … Read more
