Supporting informed, compassionate responses and connections
Expanding the knowledge and confidence of Ohio’s Independent Living Network to respond when people may be experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
Building skills to recognize, respond, and support.
Staff at Centers for Independent Living work with people from many different backgrounds and life experiences. During conversations about community living, employment, transportation, housing, or accessing services, staff may also encounter someone experiencing mental health or substance use challenges.
Knowing how to recognize potential warning signs, communicate without judgment, and connect someone with appropriate help can make those interactions more supportive.
OSILC’s Mental Health First Aid initiative is designed to make structured training available to members of Ohio’s Independent Living Network through the Mental Health First Aid Collaborative.
Project Purpose
Strengthen the capacity of Independent Living Network members to recognize and respond appropriately when individuals may be experiencing mental health or substance use challenges, including possible crises.
The supplied course information covers both Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid, providing approaches relevant to the different age groups served by Ohio’s Centers for Independent Living.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
The training emphasizes practical approaches to recognizing concerns, listening without judgment, offering reassurance, and encouraging appropriate support.
Mental Health First Aid does not train participants to diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, or replace emergency or clinical services.
It provides a framework for recognizing possible concerns and offering initial assistance until appropriate support can be accessed.
This project was funded with Title VII Part B funding to support activities to increase capacity to develop approaches or systems for providing IL services