Board of Child Care in Mechanicsburg, PA (formerly United Methodist Home for Children) understands the vital role that churches and church groups play in nurturing the well-being of our young community members. It is with great pleasure that we announce the availability of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training at no cost to our church and community partners, thanks to a generous grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
What is Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)?
YMHFA is an 8-hour training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth aged 12 to 18. Our aim is to empower you to reach out and provide initial help and support to young individuals who may be navigating mental health challenges or experiencing a crisis.
Why is this Training Crucial for Church Communities?
Churches and church groups often serve as pillars of support for youth in our community. The YMHFA training introduces common mental health challenges faced by youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and provides a 5-step action plan for both crisis and non-crisis situations. Armed with this knowledge, you can play an even more impactful role in the lives of the young people you encounter.
The Board of Child Care (BCC) Advantage:
As a proud YMHFA training site, we are committed to creating a comfortable and respectful learning environment. Our courses, led by certified instructors, maintain an intimate class size of 30 people or less, ensuring a personalized experience for all participants.
What Will You Learn?
Topics covered in the training include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders with potential psychosis, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders. This comprehensive curriculum is designed to empower you with the insights needed to make a positive difference in the lives of the youth you encounter. After completion of the training course, participations will receive a 3-year certificate from the National Council of Wellbeing.
How to Register:
In-person training is available to any organization or location within a 1-hour drive from our Baltimore (MD), Martinsburg (WV), or Mechanicsburg (PA) campus locations. Alternatively, we are happy to host your training at any of these three locations. Please visit the Contact Us page to see our specific location addresses. To get started, please visit the Youth Mental Health First Aid Training page of our website, or complete the YMHFA Community Partner Training Application.
Thank you for your dedication to the well-being of our community’s youth. Together, let’s create a network of support that ensures every young person feels heard, understood, and valued.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Coordinator
dphillips@boardofchildcare.org
(443) 615-3151
