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CHCC certifies 62 DFEMS personnel in Mental Health First Aid
Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel participate in activities that helped increase their understanding of mental illnesses and the importance of reducing stigma. (CHCC)
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s Community Guidance Center recently certified 62 CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel in Adult Mental Health First Aid.
Thanks to the continued strong partnership with DFEMS, the CHCC CGC Healthy Transitions and System of Care programs were able to conduct several MHFA trainings and certify as many DFEMS personnel as possible in the hopes of increasing mental health literacy, teaching skills to safely address a mental health or substance challenge of a colleague or of an individual on the scene of an emergency, and reducing stigma.
Of the DFEMS personnel who successfully passed and completed the program, nine were from Tinian, four from Rota, and 49 from Saipan. Participants learned about the importance of early intervention and how, as first responders, they can intervene in the field and provide direct assistance to someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
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.
For more information on MHFA, visit https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. For contact information and to request MHFA training, visit https://www.chcc.health/communitysupporttraining.php or call (670) 323-6560/61. (PR)
