MRGB-AHEC to Host Mental Health Training
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training courses for adults to better serve youth are available at the Mid Rio Grande Border Area Health Education Center. (YMHFA) Aid is an 8- hour course designed to teach adults skills to offer initial aid to an adolescent (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. In support of mental health awareness month, during May 2017 the MRGB-AHEC offered two community training in Laredo, Texas. A total of 14 participants including parents, teachers, counselors, church youth leaders and students were certified as Youth Mental Health First Aid responders. Course participants learned a five-step action plan used to assess a situation for risk of suicide or harm as well as intervention strategies to secure appropriate care for youth. In addition, participants learned about the risk factors and warning signs of depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders and substance abuse. The next 2-day YMHFA community training is scheduled for June 20th and 21st at Zapata, Texas and June 27th and June 28th at Cotulla, Texas from 10am-2pm. To register for training or receive additional information about AHEC programs, visit www.mrgbahec.org or call 956-712-0037.