LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Goodwill Industries of Arkansas (GIA) has been awarded a subgrant from the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (OSAMH) to expand its Mental Health First Aid training programs through The Academy at Goodwill Industries of Arkansas.
The grant, totaling $499,950, will support the expansion of mental health education and training across the state. This initiative aims to equip community members who are likely to encounter individuals in mental health crises with the skills necessary to provide immediate support.
The Academy at Goodwill will offer free Mental Health First Aid classes to individuals on the front lines, including first responders and educators. Currently, the Academy provides training in Mental Health First Aid for Adults and Youth Mental Health First Aid, which focuses on recognizing and addressing mental health issues in both adults and adolescents aged 12 to 18. Registration for these courses is now open at GoodwillAR.org/Academy, with classes set to commence on September 10.
In addition to the current offerings, preparations are underway to introduce Teen Mental Health First Aid training. This program, aimed at teens aged 14 to 18, will teach students how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges among their peers.
Sr. Vice President and Chief Mission Officer Edie Stewart expressed enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “We are thrilled to receive this grant. It enables our Academy to broaden our training reach and better prepare first responders, teachers, and other community members to address the crucial issue of mental health in our state.”
The grant will allow The Academy at Goodwill to certify its trainers in specialized Mental Health First Aid courses, including:
Mental Health First Aid for Youth: Designed for adults who interact regularly with youth aged 12 to 18, this course covers common mental health and substance use challenges, adolescent development, and a five-step action plan for assisting young people in crisis and non-crisis situations.
Teen Mental Health First Aid: Targeted at adolescents in grades 10 through 12, this course educates students on how to support peers facing mental health and substance use issues, discusses the impact of school violence and bullying, and provides guidance on seeking help from trusted adults.
The Academy at Goodwill partners with the National Council for Behavioral Health to deliver Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training statewide. These programs aim to prepare individuals to recognize and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, offering initial support and connecting individuals to appropriate care.
This expanded training initiative reflects Goodwill Industries of Arkansas’s commitment to enhancing mental health support and resources throughout the community.
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