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Grant will fund training for mental health programs

Chronicle Express, The (NY) - 7/27/2016

George Roets, Director of Yates County Community Services announces that Yates County has been awarded a grant from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation for $11,155. He says the grant, which runs through July 15, 2017, will help efforts to change the culture and improving health outcomes for the mentally ill and substance abuse population in Yates County.

"This effort will involve providing education and training across the entire community using two international programs: Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) and Mental health First Aid (MHFA)," he explains.

YMHFA focuses on educating individuals about mental health, substance abuse and other crises that our youth experience; and providing a process to identify issues, support the youth, and link with services. MHFA does the same only it covers adults.

Roets says these programs help educate individuals in behavioral health issues, treatments, increasing early identification of problems and accessing services. In addition stigma, which often keeps individuals out of treatment, was lowered.

He says to ensure the effort continues when the grant ends, he is seeking two individuals who would be willing to become certified trainers who could eventually provide training in Yates County. The cost of their five-day training and related expenses would be covered by Yates County.

The goal is to reach as many people as possible within the county, he says, adding, "We hope to have our local governments, school districts, church communities, social clubs, hospital, health care providers, residential, social services agencies, businesses and industry promote and support this training."

The actual eight-hour training and materials will be provided free and can be conducted in two four-hour segments. For more information about the training, contact Roets at 315-536-5115.