On April 24, VetsFirst attended a press conference in Washington, D.C. hosted by the National Council for Behavioral Health (National Council) along with other leaders in the veterans community to learn about new ways to identify veterans who may be struggling with mental health issues.
At the event, the National Council announced the launch of a Mental Health First Aid for Veterans campaign in which trained mental health instructors will conduct an 8-hour course designed to train participants in recognizing and responding to warning signs of specific mental illnesses. The campaign builds on the National Council’s overall Mental Health First Aid program.
Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a five-step action called ALGEE to support someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis.
- Assess for risk of suicide or harm
- Listen nonjudgmentally
- Give reassurance
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Encourage self-help and other support
Currently, 180,000 people have been trained in Mental Health First Aid. The National Council’s goal is to double the number trained by this summer. To date, they have operated on private funds and assistance through government funds and will continue to expand this effort as resources remain available.
The latest efforts of the National Council to expand Mental Health First Aid to include the needs of veterans is an important next step. Trainings began at the end of April.
VetsFirst supports this effective program as a model for providing early help and good referrals to professional care for veterans who are encountering mental health struggles.