The Salvation Army Offers Mental Health First Aid Training
PITTSBURGH (May 12, 2022) – In response to our nation’s mental health crisis, The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division will bring Mental Health First Aid training to Jeannette, Pa. on June 2, 2022, thanks to the generosity of The Jack Buncher Foundation. This groundbreaking skills-based course gives people the tools 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.
One in five Americans has a mental illness, and the pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive care until it is too late.
Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a five step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.
“It is so important that we have an open dialogue about mental health and substance use so we can better support one another,” Lauren Fair, Divisional Social Services Director and Mental Health First Aid Instructor said. “Mental Health First Aid trainings are one more way that The Salvation Army is equipping our frontline workers to help those in need.”
In just 12 years, Mental Health First Aid has become a movement in the United States — more than 2.6 million people are certified Mental Health First Aiders, and that number is growing every day.
For more information or to participate in a Mental Health First Aid training in Jeannette, contact Lauren Fair, Divisional Social Services Director at Lauren.Fair@use.salvationarmy.org or (412)596-5632.
Celebrating over 150 years of global service as both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 132 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, visit wpa.salvationarmy.org. The Salvation Army … doing the most good for the most people in the most need.
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the United States. To learn more about Mental Health First Aid USA, visit MHFA.org.
Contact:
Nicole Harrell, Director of Marketing and Public Relations
The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division
Email | Office: (412) 446-1642 | Cell: (757) 619-6984