Mental Health First Aid USA is a live training program — like regular First Aid or CPR — designed to give ordinary people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to recognize and respond to the warning signs of specific illnesses. Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a five-step action plan, ALGEE, to support someone developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis:
In 2008, the National Council for Behavioral Health brought Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. More than 150,000 people have been trained in Mental Health First Aid through a network of more than 3,700 certified instructors.
Those trained include family members of persons with mental health challenges, healthcare processionals, first responders, law enforcement officials, public service employees, school and college staff, clergy and caring citizens.
Mental Health First Aid helps people know that mental illness is real, common, and treatable and that it’s OK to seek help. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this program to improve knowledge of mental disorders and substance use, remove fear and misunderstanding, and enable those trained to offer concrete assistance. The program is listed in SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidenced Based Programs and Practices. Mental Health First Aid is a low-cost, high-impact program that generates tremendous community awareness and support
Family members and personnel working with military and families are often not aware of how to engage veterans with mental illnesses and addictions. In addition to the impact of military service on the veteran, each has a circle of family (significant other, children, parents, siblings, etc.) and friends who are also impacted by their military service.
Mental Health First Aid offers a simple, proven combination of information and techniques for effective interventions. A tailored module builds upon the effectiveness of the standard Mental Health First Aid curriculum by focusing on the unique experiences and needs of the military, veteran and family population
Joining Forces has expressed interest in supporting the growth of Mental Health First Aid for Military Members, Veterans and their Families. After an initial meeting in January, Joining Forces staff members have reviewed the program content and are coordinating a meeting with Mental Health First Aid, Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration. A possible national rollout of the program could occur in April 2014. Nearly 100 Mental Health First Aid courses have been provided to organizations that serve the military, veterans and their families including:
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