Mhia awareness project - mental health in action, located in tallahassee, FL, will focus on providing mental health awareness training to population of first generation college students and graduating…

Mhia awareness project - mental health in action, located in tallahassee, FL, will focus on providing mental health awareness training to population of first generation college students and graduating high school students transitioning into college, in the geographic catchment area of leon (tallahassee) and gadsden counties. Mental health in action will utilize the following evidence-based curricula: mental health first aid, teen mental health first aid, and/or youth mental health first aid, developed by national council for behavioral health to empower training a total of 2,250 participants to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and identify resources available in the community for individuals with a mental illness and in need of other relevant resources. The program year will begin september 30, 2021 and end september 29, 2026, focused on addressing issues with depression, bipolar, disruptive, and anxiety disorders. Adult and youth participants will be recruited from florida state university center for academic retention and enhancement (care), collegiate and pre-collegiate programs, and additional agencies such as teen council and omega lamplighters. Mental health in action will identify resources and supports to first-aiders so they may be equipped with tools that will support their own mental health and local communities, including the promotion of specific resources that are designed for black people that are resistant to receiving information, due to stigma, such as nami resource guides for black and brown mental health service providers, online spaces that cater to black women and men, podcasts, student/campus support groups, palm cards, and evidence-based marketing materials. For those who display serious mental concerns, participants will be referred to a licensed mental health provider, for an immediate engagement, through screening, assessment, consultation, and treatment. Further emergency interventions will be conducted by local public hospitals. Mental health in action partner with aunt bertha to create a free community referral resource to manage real-time referral tracking and status updates. This platform will also connect program participants, residents and nonprofits with information to access community resources and support services, such as physical and mental health wellness, substance abuse treatment, reliable and accessible primary care, transportation, and education.