1 in 3 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness.  Mental Health First Aid, from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge safely and responsibly. The curriculum includes common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, how to interact with a person in crisis, how to connect a person with help, and expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care.

Meade County Cooperative Extension hosted a Mental Health First Aid training day, where 12  individuals gained knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to a mental health challenge because of this program, completed the program, and gained certification from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing.  Of the 12 people trained, 11 completed evaluations. Upon completion of the training, evaluations showed that 100% of participants increased their ability to use de-stigmatized language, 100% of participants felt more able to identify a person experiencing a mental health challenge, and 100% of participants reported increased confidence in referring others to mental health resources in their area.  

Exemplary quotes from participants included: “This course really humanized the experiences of people with mental health challenges.  [The instructor] explained scenarios and situations, how to handle and approach them, and mentioned a lot of things I never thought about.”  

Another participant stated that, “The most helpful part of the course for me was the section pertaining to suicide. I was somewhat familiar with the other crises situations, but I did not have much prior knowledge on how to recognize suicidal behavior, and did not know how to approach and help a person in that situation.” 

In addition to training, a program titled Wits Workout was offered monthly reaching an average of five individuals.  The program focuses on recall and social interaction to stimulate the mind and offer a group setting for participants to interact with each other.  One of the participates shared "This program gives me a reason to get up and get out of the house.  Otherwise, I would just sit there and watch television."

The extension homemakers in the county also hosted a program which focused on helping others while meeting in a fun environment to play games and socialize. Participants brought donations of hygiene items for the domestic violence center. The first event was so successful, they have planned another one in the spring.  More information and evaluation to follow later.