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The NH Community Behavioral Health Association, in coordination with the NH Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of
Behavioral Health, recently brought a “Train the Trainer” Mental Health First Aid Training Program to New Hampshire.
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The July 2014 program was run by the National Council for Behavioral Health. Approximately 30 individuals, many of whom were
staff from local Community Mental Health Centers, participated. They were trained in: (1) recognizing the symptoms of common
mental illnesses and addiction disorders; (2) de-escalating crisis situations safely; and (3) initiating timely referrals to
mental health and substance abuse disorder resources available in the community.
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The intensive 5-day program will enable participants to take what they learn back to their communities and expand mental health
first aid skills to first responders, teachers/school administrators, primary care professionals, students, and others. The goal
is to improve Americans’ mental health, reduce stigma around mental illness, and help those who may be at risk of suicide or self-harm
by referring them to appropriate treatment.
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Support for these training programs can be found in the Mental Health First Aid Act (S. 153/H.R. 274 [http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/about/legislation-policy/]),
which was introduced in the House by Congressman Ron Barber (D-AZ) and in the Senate by Senators Mark
Begich (D-AK) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), with numerous bipartisan cosponsors including the remainder of the NH
delegation (Senator Shaheen and Congresswomen Kuster and Shea-Porter).
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If you are interested in more information about taking the Mental Health First Aid Training, please contact your local Community Mental Health
Center. Click here for their locations.
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Congresswoman Kuster and Senator Ayotte attend the kickoff event for the Mental Health First Aid
Training along with Executive Directors from several of the ten Community Mental Health Centers
across New Hampshire. Pictured starting from top left are Peter Evers, Ex. Dir., Riverbend Community
Mental Health; Vic Topo, Ex. Dir., Center for Life Management; Maggie Pritchard, Ex. Dir., Genesis Behavioral
Health; Suellen Griffin, Ex. Dir., West Central Behavioral Health; Phil Wyzik, Ex. Dir., Monadnock Family
Services; Jay Couture, Ex. Dir., Seacoast Mental Health Center; Congresswoman Annie Kuster; Senator Kelly Ayotte.
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The NH Community Behavioral Health Association is an organization comprised of the ten community mental
health centers throughout New Hampshire. These centers serve individuals in our state who are living with—and
recovering from—mental illness and emotional disorders.
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The goal of the Association is to raise awareness about the crucial role played by community-based mental health centers to
ensure public safety and overall public health for all New Hampshire residents. In addition, the Association serves as an
advocate for a strong mental health system across New Hampshire.
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“The NH Community Behavioral Health Association represents the best work and thinking about how to serve the growing mental health needs facing New Hampshire today and in the years ahead. Their dedicated work every day to help all our people live healthier lives makes an measurable difference to the people of our state.“ |
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| -Governor John Lynch |
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