Mental Health Resources
Thanks to a federal grant through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Greene County Mental Health Awareness Training Project (MHAT) at Community Partnership of the Ozarks is well on its way to certifying 2,250 First Aiders in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in Greene County over a three-year period! Through these 8-hour trainings, community members are empowered to be trusted individuals for youth and adults to turn to when in need. Our project also offers additional trainings to the First Aiders through lunch-and-learn webinars and an annual First Aider Summit. See below for more information.
Upcoming Trainings
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a public education program which introduces participants to unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and most importantly – teaches individuals how to help a youth in crisis or experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. YMHFA is an 8-hour course which uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect young people to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Anyone who regularly works or interacts with youth – teachers, athletic coaches, mentors, juvenile justice professionals and others – may find the course content useful.
Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
Adult Mental Health First Aid is a public education program which introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adults, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Adult Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course, which uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches about risk factors and warning signs of illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addictions. The program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like “What Do I Do?” and “Where Can Someone Find Help?” Instructors compile and provide a list of community healthcare providers and national resources, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support.
First Aider Forums
The YMHSP is partnering with local organizations to offer additional in-depth trainings about specific mental health challenges and mental health resources to area First Aiders through lunch-and-learn forums and the annual First Aider Summit, an all-day conference aimed at arming certified adults with the tools they need to feel more confident when interacting with youth in need of help.