Nearly one out of every five members of the Paso del Norte community have a behavioral health disorder and of those nearly 25% are living with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse disorder. While these figures fall in line with other communities, factors such as high levels of individuals with little or no health insurance coverage pose unique challenges in our border region. The stigma associated with the treatment of mental health in the Hispanic and military cultures can also make it difficult for individuals to seek out treatment and learn how to manage their illness. Mental illness however is just like other medical conditions, the earlier the treatment begins the better the outcome for the person and their families.
Therefore, mental health education and awareness is key in our community. Through the Emergence Health Network Mental Health Learning Library training courses, we can ensure our residents understand what mental illness is and learn that managing the diagnosis and recovery is possible.
Whether it is a comprehensive Mental Health First Aid course or more targeted training on suicide prevention, grief management, or stress reduction the Mental Health Learning Library provides knowledge to recognize signs and symptoms of behavioral health concerns and how to seek out appropriate services. All classes are available in English and Spanish.
Courses Include:
6.5-hour course face to face or 4-hour course virtual / with 1-1.5 online prework (Available in English and Spanish*)
*the Spanish version is only available in person.
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed to give members of the public key skills to help an
adolescent who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The 8-hour course covers a
range of common disorders and potential crises such as helping a young person who is having a panic attack, is
contemplating suicide, or is struggling with substance abuse challenges.
Objectives:
Youth Mental Health First Aid certification teaches participants to:
- Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among
adolescents, including: depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavioral disorders,
and substance use disorders. - Use a 5-step action plan to help a young person in crisis connect with appropriate professional help.
- Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in youth within the U.S. and the need for reduced
negative attitudes in their communities. - Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help a young
person with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery. - Assess their own views and feelings about youth mental health problems and disorders.
Click HERE to register for the Mental Health First Aid Youth course.
