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Registration open for free Mental Health First Aid training for UNC faculty and staff

The Behavioral Healthcare Resource Program (BHRP) at the UNC School of Social Work was awarded a $373,388 federal grant to provide Mental Health First Aid training to UNC-Chapel Hill faculty and staff over the next three years.

Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to the risk factors and warning signs of mental health and addiction problems, builds an understanding of the importance of early intervention, and identifies common supports. This 8-hour course uses skills practice and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health or substance use crisis through a 5-step action plan, with the ultimate goal to connect persons to appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia. Participants are introduced to local and national mental health resources, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addictions treatment and support.

This training is now being offered, at no cost to UNC-Chapel Hill faculty and staff. Sessions are scheduled at varying times and locations throughout campus, beginning in January 2016, and continuing through summer 2018. Training options include a full day, two half-days, or Saturdays. Find a convenient date and time, and register. To request training for your specific group, contact the Behavioral Healthcare Resource Program at bhrp-support@listserv.unc.edu.

For more information, contact Tara Bohley at (919) 843-5893 or tbohley@email.unc.edu.