PHARR, Texas — South Texas College (STC) and Tropical Texas Behavioral Health have partnered to offer a series of Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings, aimed at equipping community members with essential skills to support individuals in mental health crises. Nearly 50 participants from diverse sectors—including public safety, healthcare, and education—attended the training, which certified them as Mental Health First Aiders.
The participants, now trained to recognize signs of mental distress, provide immediate support, and connect individuals with necessary resources, play a key role in building a community network of mental health support.
Building a Bridge to Support
“The goal is to certify individuals as a bridge between those struggling with mental health and the professional resources they need, creating a network of community members supporting one another,” explained Antony Beltran, Regional Veteran Services Coordinator at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health. “The training covers crucial topics on how to approach individuals with varying needs, including those with disabilities or mental health disorders.”
The full-day training program, offered multiple times each year, is hosted at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr. It is open to all members of the community, aiming to enhance mental health literacy and response capabilities across a wide range of sectors.
Impact on Public Safety and Healthcare
One of the key audiences for this training is law enforcement, with Ricardo Bernal, Mental Health Officer at the McAllen Independent School District Police Department, emphasizing its importance for first responders. “The more knowledge we have about mental health, the better,” Bernal said. “Law enforcement, in particular, needs to be prepared to handle these situations, knowing how to deescalate them and advise on the best course of action. Working with children and young adults, we encounter a wide range of situations. It’s crucial to have the right tools to address issues like depression and suicidal thoughts.”
Members from various local departments also attended, including those from the Alton, Pharr, and La Joya Fire Departments, the Palmview and Alamo Police Departments, and Vanguard Academy. Additionally, STC faculty, staff, and students were part of the training, reflecting the broad community interest in improving mental health response strategies.
Aligning Mental Health Education with Practical Application
For students in healthcare-related fields, the training offers valuable insights into the intersection of mental health and patient care. Viviana Cardona, an STC Occupational Therapy Assistant student, shared how the course aligns with her studies. “We focus on who our patients are as people, their interests and hobbies, and build interventions around those aspects,” she said. “Being mindful of mental health is an essential skill that helps us provide more effective treatment.”
Daniel Gonzalez, another STC student, underscored the importance of mental health in recovery. “Many of the individuals we work with have experienced trauma or disorders. Maintaining mental health is crucial to recovery,” he said. Gonzalez also emphasized the importance of directness in conversations around sensitive topics such as suicide risk. “One important lesson I’ve learned is the value of being direct—especially when it comes to asking the tough questions in order to offer the right help.”
A Continuing Effort to Raise Mental Health Awareness
The training includes a mix of role-play exercises, group discussions, and hands-on activities designed to reinforce learning and foster a supportive environment. Participants who complete the course receive certification, valid for three years, which allows them to serve as qualified mental health first responders within their communities.
Tropical Texas Behavioral Health’s Antony Beltran summed up the collaborative effort: “We believe in breaking stereotypes to help people become more conscious and compassionate toward those suffering from mental health issues. We’re grateful for our ongoing collaboration with STC, which is making a difference and building a stronger community.”
The Mental Health First Aid training program will be offered again next year, continuing the mission to enhance community support for mental health across South Texas.
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