Mental illness impacts the lives of many people.  In the U.S., approximately one in five adults experiences mental illness each year. Unfortunately because of misunderstanding and lack of community support, many individuals delay seeking treatment or suffer hopelessly in silence. However, new hope and support exists through a program called Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), an eight-hour course designed to increase the understanding of mental illness and decrease the stigma.

It can be difficult to determine how to best help someone experiencing a mental health crisis. MHFA provides the tools necessary to respond quickly and effectively. The course teaches community members how to recognize the symptoms of mental health issues, provide initial help for an individual during a mental health crisis and guide them to appropriate resources.

Most people are familiar with traditional first aid classes and CPR training. Thanks to these programs, which are commonly offered in schools and the workplace, individuals can become trained to assist during a health crisis and provide help until medical personnel can arrive. This type of training saves thousands of lives each year. MHFA can have a similar impact by equipping people from all walks of life with the tools and knowledge to confidently assess and assist during a mental health crisis.

According to the World Health Organization, mental health disorders rank as the biggest health problem in North America, ahead of both cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is for this reason I have chosen to not only become a Mental Health First Aider, but also an MHFA instructor. Thank you to Doctors Care for supporting me in this role and helping me to achieve my goal of becoming an instructor for MHFA.

If you are interested in participating in a MHFA training course for yourself or a group, contact Val Purser at South Metro

Health Alliance at 303-793-9604 or val@smhaco.org.

Char Patton, Patient Care Manager
Doctors Care