Com. Torres supports mental health first aid training
Mental health first aid, Hidalgo County, Ellie Torres, substance use, suicide prevention
Staff Report
Edinburg TX – Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults, according to Hidalgo County Commission Pct. 4 Ellie Torres.
The training covers common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, how to interact with a person in crisis, how to connect a person with help, and expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care.
“Mental Health First Aid is great opportunity for those interested in learning how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use,” Torres said. “If you are a teacher, employer, law enforcement, first responder, or caring individual this is for you. Let’s all help each other.”
Mental Health First Aid is intended for employers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders and caring individuals.
Action Plan
Participants learn the Mental Health First Aid action plan known as ALGEE, which includes assessing for risk of suicide or harm, listening nonjudgmentally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging appropriate professional help, and encouraging self-help and other support strategies.
Training Options
There are three ways to learn. The in-person, second edition option includes a 7.5-hour instructor-led, in-person session.
The blended option includes a two-hour self-paced online course and a 4.5- to 5.5-hour instructor-led training. The instructor-led portion may be completed by video conference or in person.
Statistics on mental health
On average, 130 people die by suicide every day. From 1999 to 2019, 841,000 people died from drug overdoses; and nearly 1 in 5 people in the United States lives with a mental illness.
The listed sources are the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institute of Mental Health.
To schedule a training, contact Roxanne Rodriguez Saldaña at 956-289-4203 or MHFACoordinator@ttbh.org.
Source – Hidalgo County Commission Pct. 4 Ellie Torres