HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, based in Hutchinson, is hosting virtual Mental Health First Aid training classes in August, September and October.
This training is limited to Kansas organizations and residents, as well as churches in the Great Plains UM Conference.
Those who want to train will need to register at least one week before the training date. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
This training consists of 2 hours of self-paced pre-work and a 6.5 hour live virtual training (with breaks).
The dates are August 4, August 31, September 1, September 30, October 4 and October 28.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is a proven and effective resource that teaches lay people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in their community. In this one-day, 6.5-hour online training, participants will learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and substance use concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. The training helps anyone who wants to learn how to provide initial help to someone who may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or crisis, and provides tools to help friends, family members, colleagues, and others in the community.
Additionally, MHFA teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and can use their strengths to stay well. Trainees also learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, then practice through role play, scenarios, and activities — making it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.
We are offering these virtual sessions at no cost to Kansans. Each person should register individually, even if multiple people from one organization are attending.
Nearly one in five Americans has a mental illness or substance use disorder, yet many are reluctant to seek help or simply don’t know where to turn for care.