Mental Health First Aid Monthly Newsletter

 

Hello, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) family!

June marks the beginning of summer, a time that many of us have been eagerly anticipating after what feels like an eternity of stay-at-home orders and canceled events. Unfortunately, mental health challenges don’t take a summer break, and feelings of anxiety can even increase as temperatures rise. We encourage all First Aiders to prioritize self-care this summer so you can continue to #BeTheDifference for the people in your life.

MHFA recognizes that there is a serious mental health crisis in the U.S. A recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing shows that a staggering 43% of U.S. adults who needed substance use or mental health care in the past 12 months say they did not receive that care, and numerous barriers to access stand between them and needed treatment. That’s why it’s more important than ever for you to continue promoting mental wellbeing in your communities.

In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month and PTSD Awareness Month, consider becoming a MHFA Instructor or encouraging your friends and family to get certified in MHFA to foster deeper understanding and destigmatize mental health challenges. Together, we can make mental wellbeing, including recovery from substance use, a reality for everyone. 

Keep an eye on the MHFA blog for upcoming stories about summer wellbeing and more, and remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay in the know on all things MHFA!

Tips, Tools and Resources

Amerigroup Georgia Families 360° Presents: Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT)

Caregivers, Grab your TOOLKIT and get ready to add some relevant and useful TOOLS on effective ways to bond with children (ages 2-7) placed in your home and develop more effective parenting styles that better meet their needs through the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Model:

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based, behavioral intervention for children (ages 2 -7 years) and their parents or caregivers that focuses on decreasing disruptive child behavior problems (e.g., tantrums, defiance, aggression), increasing child social skills and cooperation, and improving the parent-child attachment relationship. PCIT teaches parents specialized play-therapy skills to use as social reinforcers of positive child behavior and behavior management skills to decrease challenging child behavior.In this training, participants will gain a better understanding of the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Model and how the core therapeutic skills are applied (PRIDE skills and safe discipline skills).Participants will also be introduced to the first cohort of local PCIT therapists from Pathways Transitions Programs, Inc.

Date: Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM

Reserve your space today click here to register

*Training certificates will be provided

 

Child Welfare Training Collaboration

The Georgia State University School of Social Work Professional Excellence Program Child Welfare Training Collaborative (CWTC) offers training to community partners (e.g. public child welfare, law enforcement, placement providers, early care and learning, K-12 education, behavioral and physical health, juvenile courts, and other community and government organizations) throughout the state of Georgia. Bringing everyone to the same table creates an opportunity for community partners to have a shared understanding of issues facing children and families and also strengthens collaborations to promote better outcomes for Georgia’s children.

Click here to view trainings