How do I help someone who struggles with mental health problems?

The answer for more than 650 people in Northwest Kansas:
Become trained in Mental Health First Aid!

WaKeeney Training:
[icon name=”calendar” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] November 5 and 7, 10:00am—2:30pm
[icon name=”map-marker” class=”” unprefixed_class=””] Bethlehem Lutheran Church
338 N 7^th St., WaKeeney, KS

Since space is limited, please pre-register by contacting Prairie Faith Shared Ministry at 785-743-2005 or prairiefaith@ruraltel.net.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an 8-hour course designed to give people practical skills so they are able to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The course teaches participants a five-step action plan that includes how to assess a situation, select and implement interventions, and help secure appropriate care. The 8-hour training introduces participants to risk factors, potential causes, and warning signs for depression/suicide, anxiety, psychotic behavior, substance abuse, and self-injury. This evidence-based public education program is considered the mental health equivalent of CPR.

This training is scheduled in WaKeeney at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, on November 5 and 7. The time for both days is 10:00am—2:30pm; lunch will be available on site (freewill offering) or participants can “brown bag it.” This training is offered free-of-charge, but a voluntary contribution to High Plains would be appreciated to help compensate for mileage and materials.

For those in need of Continuing Education Credits, certificates of participation are available from High Plains MHC.

(Sponsored by the National Council for Behavioral Health, High Plains Mental Health, and Prairie Faith Shared Ministry)

MHFA originated in Australia in 2000 and builds mental health literacy by helping the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. As a result, MHFA reduces the stigma associated with mental illness and replaces misinformation with practical knowledge.

Since 2009, High Plains Mental Health Center has trained over 650 people in MHFA and the feedback has been very positive. Many of the participants work in law enforcement, as first responders, in schools, or hospitals. Others volunteer for churches, the Ministerial Alliance, or their communities. Anyone interested in helping or understanding mental health challenges can benefit from this program.

The National Council for Behavioral Health is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) association of 1,400 behavioral healthcare organizations that provide treatment and rehabilitation for mental illnesses and addiction disorders to nearly six million adults, children and families in communities across the country. The National Council and its members bear testimony to the fact that medical, social, psychological and rehabilitation services offered in community settings help people with mental illnesses and addiction disorders recover and lead productive lives.

Mental Health First Aid
An 8-hour certification course designed to help agencies and communities:
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]Better understand mental health challenges
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]Respond to mental health emergencies

Building mental health literacy among:
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]Parents, families, and school personnel
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]First responders and hospital personnel
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]Law enforcement officers
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]Business leaders & HR personnel
[icon name=”check” class=”” unprefixed_class=””]Faith community and volunteer organizations

Learn more about the benefits of Mental Health First Aid by visiting: MentalHealthFirstAid.org