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MHFA14 - Shielding Our Heroes: The Statewide Rollout of Mental Health First Aid for Massachusetts Responders

Sunday, April 14, 2024
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM CT
Location: 132, Level 1, ACCC
NASW CCB NADAAC NBCC ACCME APA NY-MHC NY-SW
Anna Maria College was awarded $1,075,000 in federal funds through the Department of Justice’s Byrne Memorial JAG Program in 2022. This funding has facilitated Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Adult trainings to first responders across Massachusetts. Anna Maria College has certified 100 public safety professionals as MHFA instructors, including law enforcement, fire/EMS and corrections. These Instructors are projected to train 2500+ first responders in MHFA across Massachusetts by September 2024. This presentation will review the project’s inception, implementation and associated outcomes. Attendees will also receive recommendations and best practices in considering large MHFA projects in their own communities.

Learning Objectives:

  • Identify potential barriers and successes associated with large-scale, statewide train-the-trainer initiatives involving the public safety sector.
  • Identify three “best practice” tips and strategies for facilitating MHFA trainings to first responder communities.
  • Describe key research findings involving the MHFA curriculum both for Instructors and trainees.