MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Lake County Behavioral Health Services, teamed with Middletown High School, has been selected to participate in the country’s expanded teen Mental Health First Aid pilot program, beginning spring semester 2020.
The teen Mental Health First Aid pilot program is an in-person training designed for high school students to learn about mental illnesses and addictions to help them identify and respond to friends who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem.
This training empowers high school students to assist their friends when a mental health problem or crisis, such as suicidal thoughts, is apparent.
The course specifically teaches the important step of involving a responsible and trusted adult.
To meet this need, Lake County Behavioral Health Services has trained several staff members at Middletown High School in youth Mental Health First Aid, which is for adults working with young people.
The National Council for Behavioral Health and “Born This Way Foundation” are piloting the course in more than 75 high schools across the country.
Middletown High School is one of 40 sites participating in the second cohort of the pilot program during the 2019-2020 school year.
After the pilot program is complete, the training course will be available to the public.
Lake County Behavioral Health Services staffers said they are excited to support a path toward greater awareness about mental health and increased capacity to respond to students with mental health problems.
Learn more about Mental Health First Aid at www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.
Local partnership selected for Mental Health First Aid pilot program
- Lake County News reports
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