Family service mental health first aid training program - family service and mental health center of cicero (family services) will provide mental health first aid (MHFA) training to the town of…

Family service mental health first aid training program - family service and mental health center of cicero (family services) will provide mental health first aid (MHFA) training to the town of cicero, bordering towns such as berwyn, maywood, lyons, stickney, and the chicagoland area, specifically communities that lack MHFA training in spanish. Family services' MHFA program expects to increase mental health literacy among support systems for individuals who work with adults/ and or youth, training 1,500 individuals in MHFA over the course of five years. The target geographic catchment areas to be served are the town of cicero, bordering towns of berwyn, maywood, stickney, lyons, and the chicagoland area, specifically communities that lack MHFA training in spanish. The project will link adults and youth with mental health issues to mental, emotional, and behavioral assistance and services. The project will also increase family service's number of collaborative partners with relevant community agencies and programs. The goals of the program will be to: 1) support the geographic catchment area, specifically communities that lack MHFA training in spanish by providing training to faith-based organizations, schools, community organizations, community residents, parents/caregivers, and other social service agencies in mental health first aid, adult and youth versions, that includes recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness, particularly serious mental illness (SMI) and/or serious emotional disturbances (SED); and identifying resources available in the community for adults and youth with a mental illness. 2) identify the intended individuals to receive MHFA training to be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and how to respond appropriately and safely. 3) establish referral mechanisms that increase the ability of individuals trained in mental health awareness to refer and link adults and youth with a mental illness or SMI/SED to mental health resources and services. Family service and mental health center of cicero provides counseling services for both adults and youth and has served the town of cicero for over 100 years. Our mission is to provide affordable, accessible, mental health care for low-income and under-served populations. We strive to help our clients overcome their mental health challenges and lead happier lives. We envision a future where mental illness can be prevented or cured, and everyone with a mental illness at any stage of life has access to effective treatment and the supports for living, working, learning, and participating fully in the community. Activities include successfully delivering 12 MHFA training sessions per year (60 sessions over five years) to 1,500 individuals (300 per year) and include: certifying ten trainers as MHFA instructors (eight in spanish) through mental health first aid USA; organizing, scheduling, and delivering MHFA training throughout the geographic catchment areas, and promoting MHFA training to interested individuals who work with adults and youth. MHFA will be offered in english and mainly in spanish.