Increasing Mental Health Literacy in Rural America New Mental Health First Aid Rural Guide Released
Increasing Mental Health Literacy in Rural America New Mental Health First Aid Rural Guide Released
Posted by on July 12, 2013 in Health Equity
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One in five Americans has a mental illness yet only about 4 in 10 of these people receive treatment. In rural America — where 20 percent of the country’s population lives — the challenges of getting mental health treatment are exacerbated by the fear of being misunderstood, lack of awareness about services and chronic shortage of behavioral health providers.

Mental Health First Aid delivery in rural communities helps to increase mental health literacy in rural America and connect people to care. A new guide focused on the delivery of Mental Health First Aid in rural communities was developed with support from the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions run by the National Council for Behavioral Health (National Council).
“Rural communities have a long history of taking responsibility and coming up with innovative solutions to disparities their populations face. Mental Health First Aid is an excellent tool to grow awareness in these communities. It is a low-cost, high-impact program that emphasizes the concept of neighbors helping neighbors,” said Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National Council. 
Mental Health First Aid helps to build community capacity to identify mental health and substance abuse issues early. Mental Health First Aid training in rural areas is offered through an in-person training that presents an overview of mental illnesses and substance use disorders, and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems. Participants learn a 5-step action plan to help individuals in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care. Studies have found that people trained in Mental Health First Aid have greater confidence in helping others, a greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help, improved concordance with health professionals about treatments and decreased stigmatizing attitudes. 
Brought to the U.S. from Australia in 2008, the pioneering Mental Health First Aid program has already been delivered to more 100,000 Americans through a network of nearly 3,000 instructors. The training is intended for people from all walks of life, including non-clinical healthcare workers; school staff, counselors, and nurses; social and human services agency staff; law enforcement and corrections officers; nursing home staff; outreach workers; volunteers; clergy and members of faith communities; young people; families; and the general public. 
Alaska Island Community Services (AICS) is testament to how Mental Health First Aid can make a difference in a rural community. A HRSA funded community health center in isolated Wrangell, Alaska, AICS has used federal grant funds to train local school system personnel, staff in integrated primary and behavioral health care clinics, respite providers and EMT first responders in Mental Health First Aid. The training has helped to reduce discrimination, make healthcare more user-friendly and accessible and has increased referrals as well as the likelihood of clients following up on referrals for behavioral health services.

Instructors already trained to teach the adult Mental Health First Aid program in their communities may add a rural certification by attending a brief online orientation and delivering a specified number of courses in designated rural areas annually (to learn more log in to the instructor web portal) Those new to Mental Health First Aid and interested in bringing the program to a rural community may review the Quick Start Guide. To find an instructor near you who can teach the course in your community, visit the Mental Health First Aid website and be sure to check for the blue “rural” icon.

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