Mental Health First Aid Monthly Newsletter- NEW!

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Hello, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) family! June marks the beginning of summer, a time that many of us have been eagerly anticipating after what feels like an eternity of stay-at-home orders and canceled events. Unfortunately, mental health challenges don’t take a summer break, and feelings of anxiety can even increase as temperatures rise. We encourage all First Aiders to prioritize self-care this summer so you can continue to #BeTheDifference for the people in your life. MHFA recognizes that there is a serious mental health crisis in the U.S. A recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing shows that a staggering 43% of U.S. adults who needed substance use or mental health care in the past 12 months say they did not receive that care, and numerous barriers to access stand between them and needed treatment. That’s why it’s more important than ever for you to continue promoting mental wellbeing in your communities. In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month and PTSD Awareness Month, consider becoming a MHFA Instructor or encouraging your friends and family to get certified in MHFA to foster deeper understanding and destigmatize mental health challenges. Together, we can make mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use, a reality for everyone.  Keep an eye on the MHFA blog for upcoming stories about summer wellbeing and more, and remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in the know on all things MHFA!     Ignite Awareness: How to Be a Mental Health First Aid Ambassador It’s no secret that there is an unprecedented mental health crisis in the U.S. However, there is something we can do it about it. We know that the sooner a person experiencing a mental health challenge receives support, the more likely they are to recover. One of the best ways you can help destigmatize mental health and continue to make mental wellbeing a national priority is by spreading awareness of evidence-based trainings like MHFA.  Read more.     How Mental Health Challenges Can Manifest in Youth Because many symptoms of mental health challenges seem similar to aspects of typical adolescent development, it can be difficult to tell whether a young person is simply going through natural changes or developing a mental health challenge. This blog describes a few common youth-related mental health and substance use challenges and some of the signs of them. Read more.     How to Talk to Your Teen About Tobacco Use Tobacco use has often been portrayed as harmless, something the “cool” kids do, especially in popular TV shows aimed at teens. Considering that nearly 90% of adults who smoke daily started at or before 18, the teen years are a vital time to have conversations about preventing or stopping tobacco use with the youth in your life. Read more.     Bringing MHFA to Every Corner of the Country One in five adults in the U.S. reports living with a mental health challenge, yet only 10% of employees feel their workplace is free of stigma about mental health. MHFA and the National Association of Counties (NACo) will partner to bring MHFA training to county employees around the nation. Counties employ 3.6 million individuals, or 1% of the U.S. population, and this training will help those employees assist themselves, their colleagues and the communities they serve during a crisis or until professional treatment is obtained. Read more about the new partnership.     LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2022 Each June, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing comes together as an organization to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month, reflect on the LGBTQ+ communities’ advancements and recognize their achievements. We also acknowledge their ongoing struggle for health equity, and honor those who work to achieve equal opportunity for people who identify as LGBTQ+. Join us as we bring awareness to the challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face, including those that impact their mental wellbeing. Here are some resources.     Click to download the graphics and show your support on social media!     Interested in mental health and substance use advocacy? Sign up for MHFA’s advocacy alerts and check out the Capitol Connector blog to learn how policy trends affect mental health and substance use treatment. Instructor Scholarships for College or University Staff and Faculty Members Do you know someone who works in higher education and would make a great MHFA Instructor? MHFA and Bioré Skincare invite you to nominate a higher education staff member or encourage them to apply to receive a free virtual training session and become a certified MHFA Instructor. Nominate a college or university staff or faculty member today and help make mental wellbeing a priority in campuses across America! Learn more. Share Your Recovery Story If MHFA has helped in your or a loved ones’ recovery journey, we want to hear from you! Stories are powerful, and yours could help inspire someone in need to keep going. Let us know how MHFA has made recovery a reality in your life.       American City & County covered the announcement that the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is partnering with the National Association of Counties to provide MHFA training to public service employees, who are increasingly feeling stressed, burned out and anxious. The new partnership will make assistance available to about 3.6 million county employees throughout the U.S. Read more.     Philadelphia-based NPR and PBS station WHYY published a story about the expansion of New Jersey’s ARRIVE Together program, which pairs police officers with certified mental health screeners to respond to relevant emergency calls. The program includes a focus on providing Mental Health First Aid training to law enforcement with the aim of diverting people away from the criminal justice system and toward the help they need. Read more.     This Catholic Review article discusses how the Archdiocese of Baltimore is providing free Mental Health First Aid training to parishioners and has already certified nearly 1,000 First Aiders through its Mental Wellness Initiative. Additionally, up to 200 teachers, principals and school counselors within Catholic Schools will receive Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training through the program this summer to meet the massive demand. Read more.