Mental Health First Aid Training

Training for anyone serving the unhoused to learn how to identify, understand & respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse Training will be lead by First Call KC, an organization dedicated to creating a future free from addiction. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. -- The Day's Agenda: MORNING • Welcome to Mental Health First Aid • Mental Health & Mental Disorders: Identify the impact of mental health and substance abuse challenges on the wellbeing of adults in the US. Explain that recovery from a mental health or substance abuse challenge is possible. • Role of the Mental Health First-Aider and self-care: Describe the purpose of MHFA and the role of the Mental Health First Aider. Identify the importance of self-care • Common Mental Disorders in the United States: Increase awareness of common mental disorders in the US. Review the scope and role of a Mental Health First-Aider. • Recognizing Signs and Symptoms: Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults. --- Lunch will be served mid-day --- The Day's Agenda: AFTERNOON: • MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE): Learn the 5-step MHFA action plan (ALGEE) • MHFA for Early Signs and Symptoms: Learn the impact of early intervention on mental health and substance use challenges. Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan when a person shows early signs of a mental health or substance abuse challenge. • MHFA for Worsening Signs and Symptoms: Apply the approriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan when a person shows worsening signs of a mental health or substance abuse challenge. • MHFA for Crisis Situations: Apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan in crisis situations. • Self-care for the Mental Health First-Aider: Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of MHFA in a noncrisis or crisis situation --- ABOUT FIRST CALL KC: First Call is a nonprofit addiction treatment and recovery resource center in Kansas City, Missouri offering outpatient services with recovery support and a 24 hour crisis call line. With a community based harm reduction approach, First Call is committed to ensuring no one is turned away because of an inability to pay. Quick Facts About First Call Kansas City • Location: State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri, serving both the Missouri and Kansas sides of the metro. • Levels of care: Outpatient treatment, telehealth, assessment and referral, court treatment, and recovery support. • Who they serve: Children, adolescents, adults, seniors, LGBTQ clients, veterans, military families, justice-involved individuals, and families. • Approach: Harm reduction, trauma informed care, family education, and evidence-based counseling. • Payment options: Free or sliding scale services, with government funding available; no one turned away for inability to pay. • Unique features: 24/7 crisis call line, onsite naloxone and test strip kiosk, and reentry advocacy programs.