Texas Health Offers Free Mental Health First Aid Training

According to Mental Health America, 17% of adults in Texas – 3.6 million people – are experiencing mental illness.

Texas Health Resources is hoping to create a stronger community support system for individuals in crisis by offering free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. The virtual one-day course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns. Led by experienced trainers, the program features interactive videos, breakout sessions and other activities, with discussions on depression and mood disorders; anxiety disorders; trauma; psychosis; and substance use disorders.

The next MHFA training sessions will take place on May 22 and June 26, with monthly offerings through the end of the year. Some online prework is required for registration, and participants who finish the course can earn Mental Health First Aider certification.

The MHFA program is based on a five-step action plan known as ALGEE: ASSESS for risk of suicide or harm; LISTEN nonjudgmentally; GIVE reassurance and information; ENCOURAGE appropriate professional help; ENCOURAGE self-help and other support strategies.

“Mental Health First Aid training is not a substitute for professional assistance, but it does provide education and resources for the average citizen who may encounter someone in need and not know how to respond,” said Matt Dufrene, vice president of Texas Health. “We invite local individuals and organizations to take this training and help us build a healthier community.”

Texas Health brought MHFA training to North Texas in 2021 by investing in a train-the-trainer program. To date, more than 550 individuals have earned MHFA training in North Texas. The course is open to anyone interested in knowing how to identify, understand, and respond to a mental health crisis.

To register for the MHFA course, go to:  https://info.bluezonesproject.com/mhfa. Organizations interested in bringing MHFA training to their employees can contact CommunityHope@TexasHealth.org.