The month of September marks the nationwide observance of Suicide Prevention Awareness. At Victoria ISD, we are committed to spreading awareness and providing support to students in need of mental health services.
In partnership with Gulf Bend Center (GBC), the VISD Counseling Department provides multiple opportunities for staff to attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth-MHFA) training. Using grant funding, GBC is able to provide this training at no cost to school districts.
This training is essential as House Bill 3 requires school staff who regularly interact with students to complete an evidence-based mental health training program designed to provide instruction to participants regarding the recognition and support of children and youth who experience a mental health or substance issue that may pose a threat to school safety. By the 2028-29 school year, 100% of school staff, including professionals, paraprofessionals, Child Nutrition, and Custodial staff, will need to complete the training. Youth-MHFA is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
The Youth-MHFA training is designed to equip adults with the knowledge and skills required to assist adolescents who may be struggling with a mental health or addiction challenge or are undergoing a crisis. This course provides an in-depth understanding of common mental health challenges that often affect youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a comprehensive 5-step action plan on how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Amongst the many important topics covered in this training are anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
By participating in this training, school staff will receive the essential tools and resources to support and help young people in all aspects of their lives, including their mental health and well-being.
For more information on Youth Mental Health First Aid, visit https://bit.ly/44KuA4U.