Reed Seeks to Extend Mental Health First Aid Training in RI & Nationwide

Press Release

After helping to include a $15 million appropriation for Mental Health First Aid in the FY 2016 Omnibus spending bill, U.S. Senator Jack Reed is encouraging more Rhode Islanders to take part in this public education and awareness program.

The National Council for Behavioral Health, in partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is working to provide Mental Health First Aid training across the United States. They recently launched the "Be 1 in a Million" campaign to train 1 million people in Mental Health First Aid. The goal of the campaign is to train people as "first aiders" to recognize and respond when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis or substance abuse emergency. It is modeled after similar public health efforts aimed at teaching Americans how to safely administer life-saving first aid, CPR, or AED (automated external defibrillator) assistance.

"Mental health is just as important as physical health. But too many people who have a treatable mental illness or experience mental health issues or addiction don't get the help they need. This campaign seeks to change that by empowering people to recognize the symptoms and reach out to those in need and refer them to the right services," said Reed, a cosponsor of the Mental Health First Act of 2015. Provisions of this legislation were approved by the Senate on December 18, 2015 and will help fund mental health awareness training grants for communities across the country. "If we can get more Rhode Islanders to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and addiction, then we can reach more people who need help before it is too late. Ultimately, improving mental health first aid training will improve understanding, reduce stigma, and help save lives."

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