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CGC certifies 12 in Adult Mental Health First Aid
A total of 12 individuals from various agencies on Tinian are certified in Adult Mental Health First Aid. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s Community Guidance Center certified last July 29 a total of 12 individuals from various agencies on Tinian in Adult Mental Health First Aid.
The Adult MHFA is an evidence-based public education program that focuses on recognizing the patterns of thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and appearance that show there might be a mental health or substance abuse challenge. Individuals are taught to safely and responsibly identify and address warning signs and symptoms through the use of an action plan.
Part of the training also included topics on suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, and psychosis. The five- step, nonlinear, action plan for non-crisis and mental health crisis is as follows: 1. Assess for risk of suicide or harm; 2. Listen nonjudgmentally; 3. Give reassurance and information; 4. Encourage appropriate professional help; and 5. Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
To date, the CGC has certified 1,106 individuals within the CNMI, Palau, and Guam in either the MHFA youth curriculum, adult curriculum, or both.
The agencies represented at the training included the Tinian Health Center, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Public School System Office of Student and Support Services, Tinian Junior Senior High School, Division of Youth Services, Pacific Island Health Officers’ Association, and Tinian CGC. (PR)
