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MONDAY, JUL 27, 2020

CLMHD Now Offering VIRTUAL Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training - APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 8/28/20

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Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) was designed by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare to teach neighbors, teachers, parents, peers, and caring citizens how to help a youth or teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. The training is focused on helping youth (12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or a crisis and introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention and teaches individuals how to help a youth experiencing a mental health crisis or challenge. 
 
As part of the Conference's efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness, CLMHD is providing scholarships to 32 individuals throughout New York State to participate in a VIRTUAL Instructor Training program and be certified to conduct YMHFA trainings in their communities.

The training will be held via two virtual sessions (10/26-10/28 and 11/4-11/6), through which participants will become certified to offer the Youth Mental Health First Aid course both virtually and in-person to members of the general public. Click HERE for an overview of the YMHFA Instructor Training to learn what types of individuals/ organizations would make good candidates

If you or someone you know is interested in applying, click HERE for the application. Applications are to be submitted to the County Director of Community Services (DCS) so they may complete and sign the attestation page, and then should be emailed to fs@clmhd.org by Friday, August 28, 2020. Candidates will be notified by September 17, 2020 if they have been selected for the training. 
 
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact Francine Sinkoff, Director of Communications, at fs@clmhd.org. 
 

YMHFA Virtual Course Outline

  • All participants will receive instructions for ordering all course materials to their homes. There’s no additional cost for the materials.
  • One week before the instructor-led training, participants will gain access to 8 hours of online, self-paced work that they must complete before the first scheduled day of Instructor-led training. At this time, participants will also be asked to review the safety guidelines and sign an agreement form.
  • Upon completing the pre-work, MHFA staff will meet individually, by video conference, with each participant to review their technology set-up, safety questions and completed pre-work. The meetings should last 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Two National Trainers will lead an interactive online course in real time over 3 days, each with 4 to 8 hours of content. (Sample Agenda for MHFA Virtual Training)
    • Day 1 – Unpacking the course, questions and answers (6 to 8 hours)
    • Day 2 – Coaching by appointment (30 minutes), independent prep for presentation (2 to 4 hours), teaching strategies (1 to 2 hours)
    • Day 3 – Candidates present an assigned section of the course, review one-on-one feedback from the trainer, and participate/view other candidate presentations

IT Requirements

The course will be hosted through Zoom, and we will provide a how-to guide for participants who have never used this platform.

  • Computer – Windows or Apple desktop or laptop computer OR Mobile Device/Tablet/Surface: iOS, Android, Windows
  • Phone (backup audio option) – It is highly recommended that users join the course from a tablet, laptop or desktop computer for the best experience. Phones may be used for audio support.
  • Microphone and speakers – Participants whose computers do not have a microphone and/or speakers can use the dial-in option from their phone for audio.
  • HD Webcam – Either built into the user’s device or external.
  • Internet Connection – We recommend an internet speed of at least 5mbps upload/download speed. Users can test their internet speed here: https://www.speedtest.net/