Mental Health First Aid

A partnership of the Coalition of Western MA Hospitals, Behavioral Health Network, Clinical and Support Options, Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District and many others

Western MA Health Equity Network Summit

November 18, 2016

What Is Mental Health First Aid?

Help offered to a person

developing a mental health

problem or experiencing

a mental health crisis

Given until appropriate treatment

and support are received or until the

crisis resolves

Not a substitute

for counseling,

medical care, peer support or treatment

Can address health equity by reaching rural areas,

Spanish-speaking

communities, veterans, law enforcement,

faith communities,

employers, LGBT youth

serving agencies,

health care providers, and

community volunteers to reduce stigma and address

mental health challenges via

diverse partnerships

MHFA ACTION PLAN

A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm L - Listen non-judgmentally G - Give reassurance and information E – Encourage appropriate

professional help E - Encourage self-help & support

strategies

Mental Health First Aid teaches a five-step action plan, ALGEE, for individuals to provide

help to someone who may be in crisis.

Program MilestonesCreated in Australia in 2001

(University of Melbourne)

Currently in 22 countries Piloted in the U.S. in 2008U.S. youth program pilot in 2012

• Nationally, more than 700,000 First Aiders have been trained in the 8-hour course; over 10,500 Instructors

• Supported by SAMHSA as an Evidence-based Practice

• Locally, we’ll have close to 900 First Aiders trained through 2017• ‘First Aiders’ are from schools,

camps, human service providers, health care, coalitions, youth-serving agencies, faith communities, law enforcement, employers, colleges, etc.

• We work with almost 2 dozen Certified Instructors in the region

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“ I would like to see the Mental Health First Aid training become as available and as required as CPR training. 

The knowledge I gained from the course will help me in my jobs, as well as in my personal interactions with people I know and even those I don't.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a mental illness can save lives.”

Quote from the Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst

Region-wide Collaboration: The Western Mass Hospital Coalition

Based on their 2013 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA); it was determined that mental health issues are a high priority need across the region.

A 2015 consensus-building meeting agreed that a collaborative project should focus on Mental Health First Aid as a best practice.

Who is providing MHFA and YMHFA training in the region?

The Coalition of Western Mass Hospitals and Health New England work closely

with and support their community partners:

Behavioral Health Network

Clinical and Support Options

Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District

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For more information:www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org