KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — While many people are familiar with traditional first aid for physical injuries, fewer are equipped to handle mental health crises. The Metro Drug Coalition (MDC) is aiming to bridge this gap by offering comprehensive mental health first aid training.
For several years, MDC has provided adult mental health first aid training, and this fall, the organization will extend its offerings to include youth mental health training. These courses are designed to equip participants with the skills to support individuals experiencing mental health or substance abuse issues.
Jill Silvey of MDC emphasized the importance of these trainings, stating, “It’s crucial to change the conversation around mental health. It’s an integral part of overall health, yet it remains a topic people are often hesitant to discuss.”
The eight-hour training sessions focus on recognizing, understanding, and responding to mental health challenges. Participants learn how to assist those dealing with mental illness or substance abuse, using techniques tailored to different scenarios.
Marcia Lane, who completed the training a few years ago, highlighted the value of the course: “The most important takeaway was learning how to communicate effectively with individuals in distress and understanding how to offer appropriate support.”
MDC’s initiative also aims to address youth mental health needs, with the first youth mental health first aid training scheduled for October 2. This comes in response to data from the 2023 Tennessee Together Survey, which revealed that nearly one in four Tennessee youths are at high risk for psychological distress.
The next adult mental health first aid training will be held on September 26, followed by the youth training on October 2. MDC hopes these classes will empower community members to better support those struggling with mental health issues and foster a more open dialogue about mental wellness.
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