We need more training for youth and adults on basic understanding of mental health and mental illness, however, I'm not sure why we need to develop a new program when the nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid curriculum has been around for many years. It is evidence-based and already used in many Virginia schools, helping staff and students spot warning signs of mental distress. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
There are other models out there as well. We need more people to receive training and increase public awareness, so we support the intent, and perhaps there are other reasons for a new program that we are not aware of.
We need more training for youth and adults on basic understanding of mental health and mental illness, however, I'm not sure why we need to develop a new program when the nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid curriculum has been around for many years. It is evidence-based and already used in many Virginia schools, helping staff and students spot warning signs of mental distress. https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ There are other models out there as well. We need more people to receive training and increase public awareness, so we support the intent, and perhaps there are other reasons for a new program that we are not aware of.