Mental health awareness training at washburn center for children - as a place of hope and healing, washburn center for children is a leading innovator of children's mental health care in minnesota

We propose establishing mental health awareness training (mhat) in the minneapolis and ST. Paul region. Our collaboration with the northside achievement zone, minneapolis public schools and roseville public schools intends to increase awareness of mental health challenges and educate community members in the minneapolis and ST. Paul region on emotional well-being, DE-escalation of crisis situations and appropriate and safe respond to youth experiencing mental health challenges. With culturally responsive evidence-based training that includes mental health first aid and developmental repair curricula, mhat will strengthen community protective factors, offer early intervention and reduce risks for students facing mental health challenges. The intended audience for mhat includes those people who have regular contact with children, including but not limited to school personnel, youth workers, first responders, parents and caregivers, foster parents and childcare providers. Training these key community stakeholders has a ripple effect of augmenting and expanding the awareness of mental health challenges throughout our community. The project will train 4,250 people and potentially impact 37,500 students in minneapolis and ST. Paul first-ring suburb and 990 families living in north minneapolis. The primary objectives of the project are to: 1) conduct 50 mental health awareness and DE-escalation training at low or no cost for school personnel, youth workers, first responders, parents and caregivers, foster parents, and childcare providers. 2) engage 4,250 school personnel, youth workers, first responders, parents and caregivers, foster parents, and childcare providers through mental health awareness training over the five-year project. 3) raise awareness, reduce stigma and increase knowledge of tools for maintaining healthy emotional wellness through a community awareness campaign. The campaign will accomplish 75 annual community touchpoints and achieve 50,000 impressions or engagements in digital and print media. Mental health challenges can have profound, life-long health consequences on a child's emotional and social well-being. Fortunately, early intervention and mental health awareness build vital protective factors in a community, so every child receives nurturing support to succeed.