Central Kansas Mental Health Center
Three additional staff members at Central Kansas Mental Health Center have passed certification to become mental health first aid (MHFA) trainers.
Gretchen Boyum, Julie Clayson, and Taylor Haws recently participated in a training course with other Community Mental Health Center employees from across Kansas. Upon completion of the course and evaluation they received the necessary certification to provide Adult MHFA training to community members.
MHFA teaches people how to safely and responsibly respond to and support people who are experiencing a mental health challenge, substance use disorder, or a crisis, using a proven action plan and evidence based tools. MHFA takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and helps reduce stigma. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need.
In 2021 CKMHC provided 10 MHFA trainings in our five county service area, training 173 community members. CKMHC offers both Youth and Adult MHFA, both trainings are for adult participants but focus on providing support specifically for the different age groups. CKMHC has provided MHFA training to several businesses and organizations in its service area, helping to create informed and supportive environments for both employees and customers.
Taylor Haws is certified to teach both Youth and Adult MHFA. “I feel lucky to be a contributor in our area for MHFA awareness and training to help community members recognize when others are in need,” she said. “My hope is to increase community members’ confidence in supporting one another in finding appropriate mental health support when it is needed.”
Mental Health First Aid was created in 2001 by Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health literacy professor. Since then more than 2.5 million people in the United States have been trained in MHFA, including celebrities like Lady Gaga and former First Lady Michelle Obama. Recently the Kansas Governor’s Commission on Racial Equity and Justice cited MHFA as an important tool in creating health equity.
To inquire about a MHFA class for your group or business contact Gretchen Boyum at [email protected] or call 785-515-6139.