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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID. A Collaborative Partnership of National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Maryland State Department of Mental Hygiene and Missouri Department of Mental Health. Mental Health First Aid.
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MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID A Collaborative Partnership of National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, Maryland State Department of Mental Hygiene and Missouri Department of Mental Health
Mental Health First Aid The help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis until professional treatment is received or the crisis resolves.
Why Mental Health First Aid? • Mental health problems are common. • Mental health problems can be successfully treated and people can get better. • There is stigma associated with mental health problems. • Many people are not well informed about mental health problems. • Professional help is not always on hand. • People often do not know how to respond.
In 2001, Betty Kitchener and Tony Jorm developed the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Program at the Center for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University. The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare has adapted the program for use in America and is in charge of expanding MHFA across the United States. All instructors are certified by the National Council after completing a week-long instructor course. History of Mental Health First Aid • In 2001, Betty Kitchener and Tony Jorm developed the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Program at the Center for Mental Health Research at the Australian National University. • The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare has adapted the program for use in America and is in charge of expanding MHFA across the United States. All instructors are certified by the National Council after completing a week-long instructor course.
Mental Health First Aid • Expanded to more than 14 countries: • Cambodia, Canada, England, Finland, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and Wales • Piloted in the U.S. in 2008 • Iowa was one of the initial sites chosen for implementation and currently has 120 certified instructors of the 12 hour MHFA course.
Evidenced Effectiveness • Four published randomized control trials and a qualitative study (in Australia) • Increases mental health literacy and understanding of treatment • Expands individuals’ knowledge of how to help someone in crisis • Connects individuals to needed services • Reduces stigma
Vision for MHFA in U.S. Mental Health First Aid will be as commonplace in 15 years as CPR and First-Aid are today.
MHFA by the Numbers(2008-Mid 2009) • 330 instructors certified • 36 state presence • 180+ community trainings to date • 3000+ people trained • 1,000,000 media impressions
MENTAL ILLNESS IS DISABLING The burden of mental illness is often underestimated. Mental illness can be more disabling for the person than many chronic physical illnesses. Research by WHO compared the amount of disability caused by a mental health problem to the amount of disability caused by a physical health problem. The disability impact from moderate depression is similar to the disability from relapsing MS, severe asthma, chronic Hepatitis B or deafness.
PERCENTAGE OF AMERICAN ADULTS WITH A MENTAL DISORDER IN ONE YEAR Source: “The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America” (2006 Revised), NIMH
Impact on society…. Mental illness accounts for 15% of the total economic burden of all disease in the U.S. Untreated mental disorders cost $79 billion in lost productivity every year.
People are Saying . . . • “Just weeks after attending the training, I’ve already used the skills I learned in Mental Health First Aid…” – Hospital employee • “I think any professionals who deal with people should take this course, especially emergency personnel, teachers, . . .” – Employment Services Professional • “I now feel better prepared for what might happen.” – Homeless Shelter volunteer • “This info can help a person to become more understanding, rather than judgmental, of someone with a mental illness” – Community Member
Trainings Offered In Iowa • Trainings are currently tracked by the National Council through a web-based system. • For SFY 11-July 2010 through June 2011 1,230 individuals participated in 77 trainings across the state. • These numbers are expected to increase in SFY 12 as new instructors in previously underserved areas begin offering training.
Key Audiences • Hospitals and Health Centers • Employers • Faith communities • Schools • Law Enforcement / Justice • Nursing home staff • Families and caring citizens • Key Professions • Mental Health Authorities • Policymakers
The Training… 12-hour training teaches 5-step action plan to better support family members, friends and others in four sections. The topics covered include: • Depression • Suicide • Anxiety • Psychosis • Substance Abuse and Addiction • Eating disorders • Self Injury
You will learn…. • The course provides basic mental health information that has not always been readily available to the public, helping reduce the fear and uncertainty that members of the public may feel when dealing with a possible mental health crisis. • The course provides participants with information about symptoms of developing mental disorders, and specific actions that a person can take if faced with mental health related crisis situations.
You will learn…. • The prevalence of mental illness in the U.S and their emotional and economic cost. • Potential warning signs and risk factors of many common behavioral health disorders. • A 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care. • Resources available to help someone with a problem.
You will learn…. • The MHFA Action Plan- • Assess for risk of harm or self/harm • Listen non-judgmentally • Give encouragement • Encourage self-help strategies • Encourage professional help
What you can do…. “Mental Health First Aid, with its new focus on recovery, has the power to transform communities, the power to change beliefs and the ability to connect people in ways they never would have connected otherwise.” - Larry Fricks National Consumer Leader
National Alliance on Mental Illness 12 hour Courses offered:May 10th and 11th YSS AmesJune 7th and 8th YSS Ames September 18th and 19th YSS AmesMore dates/locations TBA
Additional Information: www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org www.YSS.org Jason Haglund, Director of Treatment jhaglund@yss.ames.ia.usAndrea Dickerson, Residential Program Coordinatoradickerson@yss.ames.ia.usLaura Bell, Prevention Specialistlbell@yss.ames.ia.us