Amherst mhat - the amherst youth mental health awareness project will serve approximately 3,000 students in grades prek-12 in the amherst central school district in erie county, NY

Training will be provided for district staff as well as staff of its seven partner agencies in youth mental health first aid, therapeutic crisis intervention for schools, and family systems theory. Students in grades 10-12 will be provided training in teen mental health first aid. Population to be served: approximately 3,000 students in grades prek-12 in the amherst central school district. Demographics of this population are: 66% white, 14% african american, 9% asian, 5% hispanic, 5% multiracial, 12% students with disabilities, 6% english language learners and former english language learners, and 36% economically disadvantaged (eligible for free/reduced price lunch). Strategies and interventions: youth mental health first aid, teen mental health first aid, family systems theory, therapeutic crisis intervention for schools goals of the project include: 1) establish a cohesive framework for understanding the role of schools, community and families in supporting the mental health of students; 2) increase the capacity of the amherst community to identify signs and symptoms of mental health disorders, assist youth experiencing mental health problems, and DE-escalate crises; 3) increase the capacity of the amherst community to safely support a potential crisis situation through the use of research-based DE-escalation strategies and 4) strengthen and develop relationships with and awareness of community-based mental health agencies to ensure appropriate referral of individuals with signs or symptoms of mental illness. People trained by year: year 1-511; year 2-970; year 3- 864; year 4- 149; year 5- 189. Total: 2,683.