FREE Mental Health First Aid Training
Fire & EMS
Community Courses
Community Courses
The course focuses on the unique experiences and needs of firefighters and EMS personnel
Community Courses
Community Courses
Community Courses
Learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders
Law Enforcement
Community Courses
Law Enforcement
The Course focuses on the unique experiences and needs of public safety personnel
450 community members trained in MHFA as of February 2021
About MHFA Grant
The Mental Health Awareness (MHAT) grant was awarded to the Porter County Substance Abuse Council by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through September of 2021 to address the critical need of identifying and receiving treatment for serious mental illness (SMI) and/or serious emotional disturbance (SED). Left untreated, SMI and SED may result in substance use disorder, violent and dangerous behavioral episodes and suicidal tendencies.
Suicidal thoughts among Indiana adults was higher than the national rate at 4.2% compared to 4.0% in 2015. Serious Mental Illness (SMI) among Indiana adults was 4.8% compared to 4.1% nationally. (Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2013-2017.) Just 41.6% received treatment for any mental illness. Northwest Indiana’s three managed care entities reported 38% of their consumers initiating treatment for substance abuse. A mere 9% engaged in treatment of whom less than 1 out of 4 continued treatment through to conclusion. (Source: Indiana Health Coverage Program Review, 2016.) This grant will provide tools for professionals that have direct contact with youth and adults. Their observations may lead to qualifying these individuals for additional mental health diagnosis and treatment.
The primary objectives are to increase the number of certified Mental Health First Aid trainers; increase the number of residents trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders; increase the number of referrals to mental health providers and increase the number of linkages to mental health resources.
We are able to train groups of professionals such as police departments, school districts, EMS and fire departments, mental health service providers, government agencies, veteran services, specialty groups and community activists in classes of 20-25 students per session. The course is taught in an 8-hour segment and offered 2 times per month. The cost of the instructor and course materials is usually $70.00 per person but there is no charge to attend as a member of your registered agency or community group. You may also quality for Continuing Education Units as needed for your professional licensure requirements.
We are currently scheduling classes for the 2021 grant year. If you are interested in this opportunity review the form below and then contact the Coordinator Kaitlyn Griffin at kgriffin@portercountysac.com or call 219-462-0946.
•••
No Cost Course • On-Premise Training Available • Group Training for up to 30 Participants
This 8-hour training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to appropriate care.
WHO SHOULD TAKE IT?
Employers
Police officers
Hospital staff
First responders
Faith leaders
Community members
Caring individuals
WHAT IT COVERS:
• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness.
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use.
• How to interact with a person in crisis.
• How to connect the person with help.
• NEW: How to administer naloxone in the event of an opioid overdose.
The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen non judgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Want to take the course?
Contact:
Kaitlyn Griffin, BSW
Mental Health Awareness Training Coordinator
219-462-0946
Download the MHAT Training Request Form
•••
No Cost Course • On-Premise Training Available • Group Training for up to 30 Participants
This 8-hour training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. It focuses on the unique experiences and needs of public safety personnel and is a valuable resource that can make a difference in their lives, their coworkers’ and families’ lives, and the communities they serve.
WHO SHOULD TAKE IT?
Law enforcement
Corrections officers
Other first responders
911 dispatch staff
WHAT IT COVERS:
• Defusing crises.
• Promoting mental health literacy.
• Combating stigma of mental illness.
• Enabling early intervention through recognition of signs and symptoms.
• Connecting people to care.
The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen non judgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Want to take the course?
Contact:
Kaitlyn Griffin, BSW
Mental Health Awareness Training Coordinator
219-462-0946
Download the MHAT Training Request Form
•••
No Cost Course • On-Premise Training Available • Group Training for up to 30 Participants
This 8-hour training course gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. It focuses on the unique experiences and needs of firefighters and EMS personnel and is a valuable resource that can make a difference in their lives, their coworkers’ and families’ lives, and the communities they serve.
WHO SHOULD TAKE IT?
Firefighters
EMS personnel
Other first responders
Family members of first responders
WHAT IT COVERS:
• A discussion of first responder culture, stigma and their relevance to the topic of mental health.
• Outreach tactics to respond to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
• A discussion of the specific risk factors faced by many first responders and their families.
• A review of common mental health resources for first responders, their families and those who
support them.
The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen non judgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Want to take the course?
Contact:
Kaitlyn Griffin, BSW
Mental Health Awareness Training Coordinator
219-462-0946
Download the MHAT Training Request Form