The guidance center mhfa training - the guidance center intends to utilize the mental health awareness training (mhat) grant funding to expand the availability and accessibility of mental health and…

The guidance center mhfa training - the guidance center intends to utilize the mental health awareness training (mhat) grant funding to expand the availability and accessibility of mental health and substance use support services by providing the evidence-based mental health first aid (nhfa) training to a wide variety of organizations throughout our rural catchment area, which includes northern pennsylvania, the southern tier of new york state, and the allegany territory of the seneca nation of indians. The guidance center mhfa training will include both individual mhfa for youth and adults as well as trainer certification, enabling partnering organizations to sustain training and awareness efforts. In partnership with local public schools, one goal is to also have a site certified to provide mental health first aid for teens. Recent community needs assessments indicate that the growth of demand for behavioral health intervention and substance use treatment in our region has far outpaced the limited resources available to provide those needed services. Our rural population struggles with high rates of poverty and social determinants of health that place US in the top 25% of "most disadvantaged areas" according to the area deprivation index and access to treatment continues to be a significant barrier for many residents in our region. Increasing the number of community members who are trained to recognize and respond to the needs of individuals living with, or at risk for developing mental illness, substance use disorders, and suicide is a crucial component of addressing the current treatment disparities experienced by individuals and families in our catchment area. Our primary mhat grant objective is to provide mental health first aid (mhfa) training to a wide variety of community partner organizations, involving organizations and agencies that work with underserved populations including indigenous people, youth, veterans, lgbtqia+ individuals, people living with disabilities, and geriatric populations. The guidance center will also offer mhfa training to educational institutions of all levels, medical care providers, county workers, law enforcement agencies, religious groups, local businesses, and any other organization who would like to partner with US in order to enhance the ability for their members to feel comfortable providing mhfa to those with whom they interact. We estimate that in the first year at least 70 individuals will receive training; year two approximately 150 and in year three over 240. As such, over the span of the grant, is our intent to train 460 or more individuals and at least 30 mhfa trainers.