Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, part of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, and in partnership with Community Services Group (CSG), is pleased to announce they are the recipients of a federal grant to support LG Health’s new, comprehensive mental health training collaboration, the Mental Health First Aid Community Collaborative.
The Mental Health First Aid Community Collaborative is supported by a grant to Lancaster General Hospital from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant supports 100% of the project costs, budgeted for five years at $125,000 per year.
Mental illness, including serious mental illness and serious emotional disturbance, is persistent, has significant community impact and requires community interventions. Despite existing efforts, mental illness remains a challenge facing youth and families in Lancaster County. The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) estimates that 1 in 5 students suffers from a mental health disorder and 1 in 3 shows symptoms of depression.
Over five years, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health will work with CSG, Hempfield, School District of Lancaster, Pequea Valley and Elizabethtown Area school districts and community members to provide mental health training for adults and youth. Mental Health First Aid training is an evidence-based training that provides skills and resources necessary to recognize and address mental illness, improve pathways to care and reduce stigma. By the end of the project, over 4,000 students (specifically 10th graders) and community members in the participating school districts will receive mental health training. Trained students and community members will assist with early identification of individuals who are experiencing mental health issues and connection to care.
“Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health is committed to addressing mental well-being in our community. Just like physical illnesses, mental health issues have a huge impact on our lives. Recognizing mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult, which is why it’s so important for everyone to understand the warning signs, risk factors and how to get help,” said Mary LeVasseur Dorman, health promotions specialist, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.
“Community Services Group (CSG) has been committed to providing Mental Health First Aid training since 2009. Like CPR training, Mental Health First Aid helps individuals, regardless of clinical training or experience, to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. This grant will enable us to not only provide this critically important education in our communities, but it will also bring the training and certification process into our schools, allowing us to reach and empower teens to recognize early warning signs of mental health crises and substance use in a friend or peer. This course will help students to develop the confidence to talk to a friend about mental health challenges and to seek help and the support of a trusted adult,” stated Julie Weaver, Vice President, Community Services Group.
For questions or for more information on the grant, please contact:
Mary LeVasseur Dorman
Health Promotions Specialist, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Mary.dorman@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marcie Brody
Marcie.Brody@pennmedicine.upenn.edu