Maryland is one of only two states testing a new first aid program for the mentally ill. The Mental Health First Aid program originated in Australia and has been slowly working its way around the world as a viable treatment option designed to train emergency first responders how to recognize and care for patients who suffer from mental health issues.

On July  20, 27 and August 3 and 10 at the NAMI Southern Maryland offices in Lexington Park, the second of three free MHFA training opportunities will be held. The four week training will start promptly at 6 p.m. and end at 9 p.m each Monday. At the end of the course, attendees who successfully complete the training will be certified Mental Health First Aid responders.

Those wishing to participate may contact certified instructors, Sarah Ashworth or Carolyn Cullison before July 13 to register. Ashworth may be reached at (301) 737-1988 or via email to sashworth28@gmail.com. Cullison may be reached at (301) 997-1066

MHFA is the initial help given to someone developing a mental health problem or who finds themselves in a mental health crisis before professional assistance may be provided.

The pilot program seeks to teach first responders in a 12-hour intense workshop how to recognize signs of mental illness in patients they have to treat as part of their day-to-day responsibilities.

MHFA instructors teach program participants to use the MHFA action plan:

• Assess risk of suicide or harm,
• Listen non-judgmentally,
• Give reassurance and information,
• Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help, and to
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies from peers, family and friends.
  

During the four Monday sessions, participants will learn the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems, where and when to direct patients for needed help and what type of treatment is known to be effective.

Specific conditions covered in the training include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, substance use disorders and self-injury.

According to course instructor, Cullison, “After the tragic event at Virginia Tech, Gov. O’Malley decided that Maryland needed to have a system to better recognize mental illness and the warning signs so we can avoid similar tragedies.”

Once the word was given, the Department of Mental Health decided to take a look at the Australian program, gaining momentum around the world.

“The materials had to be written for use in America,” said Ashworth. Cullison and Ashworth are two of only 40 certified MHFA trainers in the state and the free training opportunities come to an end after the final of three sessions in September, which will be held at On Our Own of St Marys Inc., Wellness and Recovery Center in Leonardtown.