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CGC certifies 47 individuals in Mental Health First Aid
Photo shows participants in the Adult Mental Health First Aid training last March 9, 2022. (Contributed Photo)[/caption6
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s Community Guidance Center Healthy Transitions and System of Care programs hosted Mental Health First Aid trainings throughout the month of March and early April certifying 47 individuals.
A total of 28 individuals were certified in the Adult MHFA: six staff from Department of Labor, four staff from CGC Behavioral Response Program, four staff from CGC Crisis Counseling Program, six staff from Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc., and eight students enrolled in the Northern Marianas College Rehabilitation and Human Services Program.
With continued partnership with the Division of Youth Services, 19 staff and parent leaders from DYS were certified in the Youth MHFA on March 29, 2022.
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Photo shows participants in the Adult Mental Health First Aid training last March 23, 2022. (Contributed Photo)MHFA is an evidence-based, early intervention program designed to teach people how to identify, understand, and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge, and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary.
Participants are required to complete pre-work assignments, attend the entire instructor-led class, and complete post-work assignments to obtain a 3-year MHFA certification. Participants, at the end of the training, gain confidence in providing initial support to others through a non-linear 5-step action step referred to as ALGEE:
Photo shows participants in the Adult Mental Health First Aid training last April 1, 2022. (Contributed Photo)
• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen non-judgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies
In partnership with the Division of Youth Services, 19 staff and parent leaders from DYS were certified in the Youth MHFA on March 29, 2022. (Contributed Photo)
For more information on MHFA, visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. For more information or to request for the CGC’s MHFA training, visit
https://chcc.gov.mp/communitysupporttraining.php or call (670) 323-6560/61. (PR)
