Mental Health First Aid training available throughout region

“We want to shine a light on the importance of mental health,” said instructor and coordinator Erin Rust. “One way to make a difference is simply being prepared. Our goal with Mental Health First Aid is equipping people with a set of evidence-based resources and tools, so we invite the community to take part in these valuable learning experiences.”

A public education program, MHFA helps people across the community to recognize risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact and gives an overview of supports that can make a difference.

Since 2013, GOBHI has had MHFA instructors on staff. The behavioral health organization currently has six GOBHI-certified MHFA instructors. These instructors are certified in adult, youth, public safety and older adult courses. Other MHFA modules include higher education, bilingual, veterans and fire/EMS.

As part of her position as the Eastern Oregon Coordinator, Rust is responsible for coordinating and providing MHFA trainings that are requested by various organizations. She works closely with MHFA instructors who provide these courses in each community.

The eight-hour course uses role playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a potential mental health crisis, and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. The program also teaches common risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses.

“It was like learning CPR for mental health,” said Amy Asher, Sherman County prevention and outreach coordinator. “Now, I feel more prepared and confident in lending support to those with complex needs. It gave me some important strategies I can carry with me going forward.”

Those interested in the program can contact GOBHI for information on attending or hosting training in their community. GOBHI and its partners will be coordinating trainings throughout the year. The trainings are available at limited or no cost, depending on specific agency or site needs.

Those interested can contact Rust by calling 541-298-2101, or emailing erust@gobhi.org. Details online at www.gobhi.org/programs/mental-health-first-aid.

GOBHI partners with Eastern Oregon Healthy Living Alliance (EOHLA), which received grant funding from The Ford Family Foundation, The Collins Foundation, and the Oregon Office of Rural Health to provide and support MHFA trainings to teachers, law enforcement, church leadership, and other public and social service employees who work closely with the community in the 12-county region of Eastern Oregon.

EOHLA has resources to support costs related to MHFA training in the region. Those interested in working with EOHLA to provide a training in Eastern Oregon can contact Alanna Chamulak at 541-219-2397 or John Adams at 541-219-0907.

About GOBHI

Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc., headquartered in The Dalles, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation charged with administering all or part of the behavioral health Medicaid benefit in 17 rural and frontier counties in Oregon. GOBHI is a co-owner of the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization and is responsible for the administration and oversight of behavioral health services for Columbia Pacific Coordinated Care Organization.

About EOHLA

Eastern Oregon Healthy Living Alliance is a nonprofit formed by the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization dedicated to support and advance community health development initiatives in Eastern Oregon.