(WEBINAR) Mental Health First Aid

CE Type:IACET

# of CE's: 6.0

0.6 IACET CEU's

CE Type: IACET                # of CE's:  0.6 IACET CE's

About This Course

Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) was created in Australia in 2000 by Betty Kitchener, an educator and mental health consumer, and Professor Tony Jorm, a mental health researcher. In 2008, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health brought MHFA to the United States.

A number of Mental Health First Aid USA courses and manuals have been developed to suit the needs of specific populations within the United States. The courses are designed to teach people how to approach, assess, and assist a person who may be in the early stages of developing a mental health challenge or in a mental health crisis.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the purpose of Mental Health First Aid and the role of the Mental Health First Aider.
• Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of American adults.
• Explain that recovery from a mental health or substance use challenge is possible.
• Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the Mental Health First Aider and the person receiving first aid.
• Explain the 5 steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE).
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults.
• Evaluate the impact of early intervention on mental health and substance use challenges.
• Apply the appropriate steps of Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a non-crisis scenario where a person shows early signs of a mental health or substance use challenge.
• Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan (ALGEE) to a crisis scenario where a person shows signs of a mental health or substance use crisis.
• Choose appropriate methods of self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.

Intended Audience:

Anyone can become a Mental Health First Aider! This includes staff of hospitals and health centers, employers and human resource staff, faith communities, schools/universities, nursing home staff, individuals who have experienced behavioral health challenges, family members, service providers and support staff, neighborhood organizations, and any other concerned citizens. BHTEN provides MHFA trainings as part of a larger, city-wide initiative to train as many Philadelphians in MHFA as possible. The training is available at many other locations throughout the city. Go to www.healthymindsphilly.org for more details.

Instructional Level:

Introductory

Completion Requirements:

Participants must be present for the full curriculum, and pass a quiz, and complete an evaluation form in order to receive their First Aider certificate.