(CHCC) — The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation-Community Guidance Center Healthy Transitions and System of Care programs hosted Mental Health First Aid or MHFA trainings throughout the month of March and early April certifying 47 individuals.
A total of 28 individuals were certified in the Adult MHFA: 6 staff from Department of Labor, 4 staff from CGC Behavioral Response Program, 4 staff from CGC Crisis Counseling Program, 6 staff from Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc., and 8 students enrolled in the Northern Marianas College Rehabilitation and Human Services Program.
With continued partnership with the Division of Youth Services, 19 staff and parent leaders from DYS were certified in the Youth MHFA on March 29, 2022.
MHFA is an evidence-based, early intervention program designed to teach people how to identify, understand, and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge, and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary.
Participants are required to complete pre-work assignments, attend the entire instructor-led class, and complete post-work assignments to obtain a three-year MHFA certification. Participants, at the end of the training, gain confidence in providing initial support to others through a non-linear 5-step action step referred to as ALGEE:
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen non-judgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies
For more information on MHFA, visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
For more information or to request for the CGC’s MHFA training, visit https://chcc.gov.mp/communitysupporttraining.php or call (670) 323-6560/61.
For more information about CHCC programs, follow @cnmichcc on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; visit https://www.chcc.health; or call (670) 234-8950.
Staff from Department of Labor, CGC Behavioral Response Program, and CGC Crisis Counseling Program attend the Adult MHFA training on March 9, 2022.
Staff from Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc. attend the Adult MHFA training on March 23, 2022.
Staff and parent leaders from the Division of Youth Services attend the Youth MHFA training on March 29, 2022.
Students enrolled in the NMC Rehabilitation and Human Services Program attend the Adult MHFA training on April 1, 2022.
