Do you want a better understanding of mental health and practical tools for use in your daily work? In August and September, CALL is offering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor Certification.
One in five Americans has a mental illness in any given year. The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased depression and anxiety symptoms for many who are reluctant to seek help or do not know where to turn for care. California library workers are well aware of these challenges, as shown by this year’s California Library Association conference theme, Balancing Act: Self Care and Shelf Care.
In response, California Libraries Learn (CALL) is offering the opportunity for library workers to be certified as Instructors in the MHFA curriculum for Youth and/or Adults. Read more about Debunking Myths Around Mental Health First Aid.
“Mental Health First Aid’s (MHFA) main goal is to teach individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends, neighbors and coworkers. MHFA does not teach individuals how to diagnose or treat mental illness or substance use, but it equips them with crucial skills for providing assistance.”
Lodi Public Library
Andriana Martin, librarian at the Lodi Public Library, is a certified MHFA Instructor. She has seen the impact on the Lodi community. “The library is the hub of any community, filled with free information and resources for all members of the public,” says Martin. “Three years ago, all the library staff members at Lodi Public Library were trained in Mental Health First Aid. The training was specifically focused on helping adults within the community.” The library was recognized for their work with the MHFA and adults in the local news. Last year, teens in the community asked for the training for themselves. In response, more staff members trained as instructors in Teen MHFA. As staff started promoting these trainings to teens, community members also requested the course.
Your library can do the same thing as the Lodi Public Library, which is now poised to train more new MHFA instructors through CALL. Having more instructors will increase capacity to go out into the community and host training sessions in MHFA for adults, teens, and youth. According to the MHFA, research shows that individuals who complete instructor training are able to use their skills to offer support through appropriate self-help and professional resources. You can be part of the solution for the mental health crisis.
Apply now to be certified as an MHFA Instructor. The course is provided at no cost to you.