Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach school personnel and parents a 5-step action plan to reach out to a youth experiencing a mental health crisis and connect them to community resources.  Youth Mental Health First Aid trains adults to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses and substance use disorders; how to de-escalate crisis situations safely; and how to initiate timely referral to treatment resources.  It is critical that school personnel understand the impact of stress, trauma, and depression on the adolescent and refer them for help as soon as possible.  Youth Mental Health First Aid training will improve staff confidence and competency in helping a youth who is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Contact:

Kodi Pollard, Sr. Mental Health First Aid Prevention Program Field Representative, Kapollard@odmhsas.org or (405) 248-9273