About Us
Your local mental health programs in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties have joined together to create a one-stop gateway where community members can go to learn about and register for free mental health first aid trainings. By combining our resources, we can offer classes across the region, reaching more people desiring to help others in need.
The public is rapidly becoming aware of the need for new attitudes and approaches to mental health in our country. We recognize people with mental health issues have been stigmatized by the general attitude toward mental health. In the past, we have separated our mental well being from our physical health. By visiting this website today and investing some of your time in a training, you are joining the movement to close that gap.
What do you do after asking “Are you okay?”
You may know how to administer CPR to someone having a heart attack even without clinical training. However, you are more likely to encounter someone -- a friend, neighbor, family member, or young person -- in a mental health or emotional crisis than you are someone having a heart attack. You may find yourself in the position of being a first aid responder in a mental health crisis.
If you've found yourself in your job, a public event or setting and have seen or been with someone showing signs of emotional distress, would you know how to help? We are offering an array of trainings now available for free, that address situations that many of us will encounter. Upon completion, you will join a growing number of caring community members who learn how to help someone get the help they need. In so doing, you will add momentum to reversing the attitude of discrimination toward one of acceptance and inclusion.
We offer trainings designed for everyone 18 and over, regardless of your experience level. These courses have been tested, proven, and tailored to meet a broad range of unique perspectives. At this time, the standards for the trainings offered are for those 18 years or older and unfortunately, we do not have trainings for young people under 18 years of age.
With the help of skilled, qualified trainers, you will know how to:
- Identify, understand and respond to signs of a person in your family, at work, or in your neighborhood experiencing a mental health challenge.
- Use actions, based in evidence, to connect those in crisis and non-crisis situations to support systems that can keep them safe and help them recover.
- Learn the risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns.
Why is it vital that you and your neighbors get trained to help?
- Nearly one in five adults suffers from a mental health concern every year in the US.
- Most people don’t know that mental health concerns are as common as physical health concerns.
- Stigma is rampant, and many people don’t seek help because they don’t know where to go or are afraid of being discriminated against.
- Getting help and support early is important; it can prevent more serious issues later on.
- Suicide is preventable, however it remains a leading cause of death for seniors, adults and youth.
