0. Western MA Health Equity Network Summit November 18, 2016
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

1. 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
Actual Definition
Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves.

2. MHFA ACTION PLAN A – Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Mental Health First Aid teaches a five-step action plan, ALGEE, for individuals to provide help to someone who may be in crisis.
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

3. Program Milestones Created in Australia in 2001
(University of Melbourne)
Currently in 22 countries
Piloted in the U.S. in 2008
U.S. youth program pilot in 2012
Countries include: Scotland, China, Canada, Finland, Singapore, Ireland, Wales, England, Cambodia, Japan, South Africa, Thailand and New Zealand

4. 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

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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. For more information: