Date: 09/09/2015
Final
Mental Health First Aid Colorado
SCHOOL SAFETY AND YOUTH IN CRISIS
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03:13 PM -- Mental Health First Aid Colorado
Brian Turner introduced himself to the committee and reviewed the Mental Health First Aid program. According to Mr. Turner, the program is an 8 hour certification course that teaches people how to identify the signs and symptoms of behavioral health challenges and connect persons with behavioral health needs to resources. He reviewed the implementation of the program and noted that more than 20,000 people in Colorado have been certified since 2008.
Senator Newell asked for data on certifications among teachers and other school staff as well as school resource officers and law enforcement personnel. Mr. Turner indicated he would follow up with staff with actual data and explained that about 25 percent of the 20,000 certifications are for persons affiliated with schools.
Desiree Davis asked how many school districts participate in the program. Mr. Turner said capacity is there in all districts, but that his program has reached about 75 school districts so far. He indicated that there are some individuals that have participated that may have moved between districts or that may not have been identified as representatives of a particular district. He reviewed his program's initiatives to target specific school districts. Ms. Davis asked about federal funding for the program. Mr. Turner said $200,000 of the $2 million in Project Aware funding goes to the Mental Health First Aid program. According to Mr. Turner, these funds will ensure training for 1,125 additional persons and noted that existing funding provided by the state is reduced for 2015 and eliminated in 2016. Ms. Davis asked how the program is marketed. Mr. Turner reviewed his program's tools, including relationship building, presentations at conferences, meetings with decision-makers, word of mouth from participants, as well as a website and marketing materials. Ms. Davis asked whether private schools are served and if so, how many. Mr. Turner stated that their participation has been very limited but the course is available to anyone.
Greg McDonald asked about the pre-survey and post-survey for participants and what findings those surveys have revealed. Mr. Turner said that the evaluation process is very thorough and while the data set currently only includes one year, the results have been very positive so far. Mr. Turner said that he would provide the study as a follow up item for the committee. Mr. McDonald asked about the youth component of the Mental Health First Aid program. Mr. Turner described the youth component as been targeted to students ages 12-25 as a peer support program, which is often targeted to students in upper grades via school health class.
Senator Newell commented that the program does not go into detail about suicide prevention and asked about training for school resource officers. Mr. Turner stated that the program is intended to provide a broad overview of many aspects of behavioral health and that they connect participants to other providers for more in-depth training. He indicated that he would provide information about law enforcement certifications at a future date. Senator Newell asked if it would be possible for there to be legislator training, to which Mr. Turner responded affirmatively.