SHELL LAKE, WI -- In response to our nation’s mental health crisis, Healthy WashCo and UW-Madison's Division of Extension Health & Well-Being Institute will bring Mental Health First Aid training to Washburn County in 2025. 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 5-step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.
“Never has it been more important for our communities to talk about mental health and substance use,” says Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which helped bring Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. in 2008. “This program is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one another. Without mental health, there is no health.”
In just 12 years, Mental Health First Aid has become a full-blown movement in the United States — more than 2.5 million people are certified Mental Health First Aiders, and that number is growing every day.
Washburn County is fortunate to have a variety of instructors able to offer the entire Mental Health First Aid Suite:
- Adult-for anyone over 18 years old
- Youth-for those that work with youth (teachers, coaches, parents, etc.)
- Teen-for high school students.
Our goal is to offer at least one Mental Health First Aid training per month. Three are currently scheduled and open to anyone in the community.
- Adult Mental Health First Aid: Jan 31 and March 20
- Youth Mental Health First Aid: Feb 21.
As one of our local instructors likes to say, if you breath, Mental Health First Aid is for you. If you are interested in participating or bringing this important training to your community organization or business, please contact Julie Bever at jbever@co.washburn.wi.us.
For more information or to participate in a Mental Health First Aid training in Washburn County visit here or contact Healthy WashCo at 715.468.4747.
Last Update: Dec 07, 2024 11:40 am CST
