Mental Health First Aid Pilot Project

Transcription

1 Group Project Report Class of 2017 Mental Health First Aid Pilot Project Group Members: Heather Brownell Tom Gehlhausen Katie Lorton Maggie Owens Larissa Warne Brian White 1

2 Contents Project Objective... 3 Background Information... 3 Team Approach... 4 Results, Accomplishments & Discoveries... 6 Legacy Plan... 7 Appendices A: Program Logic Model... 9 B: Event Budget C: Course Evaluations - Summary D: Course Evaluations Data Analysis E: Promotional Handout for Leadership Summit

3 Project Objective To provide a Youth Mental Health First Aid training event for school and law enforcement personnel who routinely work with youth. Background Information Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training teaches the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. 1 Mental Health First Aid was first developed in 2001 in Australia by Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health literacy professor. Many countries, including the United States, have adapted the Mental Health First Aid program. Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack we d start CPR, or at the very least, call But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism. Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving mental health literacy and providing a five-step action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. The course is designed for individuals without any background in mental health, and Mental Health First Aid USA s Be the Difference campaign emphasizes that anyone, anywhere can be the one to make a difference in the life of someone with a mental health or substance abuse challenge if they know what to do and what to say. The Mental Health First Aid curriculum is developed by the National Council for Behavioral Health, and is evidence-based and peer-reviewed. Studies in Australia and around the world have shown that Mental Health First Aid has a positive impact on the entire community where it implemented by increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and increasing the likelihood that community members will reach out to (and feel confident in their ability to help) an individual in crisis. While Mental Health First Aid has a presence in many parts of the United States, including Indiana, our group discovered that there had not yet been a MHFA training event in Hamilton 1 All background information is taken from unless otherwise indicated. 3

4 County. With that in mind, our project goal was to coordinate and host a Youth Mental Health First Aid training event, with a target audience of teachers, school personnel, school resource officers, and other individuals who routinely work with youth. Team Approach Mental Health First Aid was identified by Katie Lorton who had become aware of the program through her work at the Noblesville Public Library. Since Katie had attended a training event for MHFA she was instrumental in getting the group started in our discussions about range and focus. The project group first met on December 15, 2016 to begin defining the parameters of our project and to develop a strategy for gaining more information that would be important to refining the focus of the project. We met nine times overall throughout the duration of the planning and implementation of the project around twice per month. The group was guided by a program logic model which is included in the appendix of this project report. 4

5 Our early discussions included many possible directions for our project. The original project proposal was to develop a strategic plan document for bringing a sustainable, long-term MHFA program to Hamilton County. The group also discussed the possibility of hosting public forums or meetings with mental health agencies in Hamilton County to address other mental health community issues. However, after some preliminary research that revealed community needs and opportunities, we ultimately decided that our goals would be best served by hosting a training event, focusing on individuals who routinely work with youth in a school context (e.g. public school teachers) as the target audience. Our early research included telephone calls with representatives from hospitals, the National Alliance on TERRI MILLER LEADING MHFA TRAINING EVENT. Mental Illness (NAMI), first responders, and schools. We discovered that there was a grant administered through NAMI Indiana and available to Indiana school districts that would cover the cost of course materials and instructor fees for training session. Working in partnership with Westfield Washington School District, we were able to obtain this grant. We were also able to secure a sponsorship from the Hamilton County Sheriff s Department. The group contacted the school superintendents in Hamilton County to alert them to the availability of MHFA and to assess their interest in partnering in an event. We identified the Westfield School Corporation as a partner and explored possible dates for a training event. We identified May 9 th, 2017 the best date and arranged for the event to be hosted at Oak Trace Elementary in Westfield. During one of our early planning meetings we also met with Terri Miller, who is a certified MHFA trainer, and recruited her to lead the event. We developed a marketing strategy for the event and created an online registration form. In the end, 21 people registered for the training event and 18 of these actually attended the event. 5

6 Results, Accomplishments & Discoveries Our group utilized an outcomes-based planning approach as we developed our training event. We developed a program logic model that summarized all elements of the program including our partners and stakeholders, audience, logistical considerations, inputs and activities that would need to take place prior to the event, and our methods for measuring the program s success. We utilized the Mental Health First Aid curriculum to highlight three outcomes we hoped to effect through our training event. These were: Participants will possess basic mental health literacy and a knowledge of Mental Health First Aid. Participants will be confident in their ability to assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Participants will approach mental health challenges in a compassionate, stigma-free manner. PARTICIPANTS AT THE MAY 9 MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING EVENT. 6

7 The project was successful on several levels: We were able to present a Mental Health First Aid training event in Hamilton County with 18 attendees including successfully securing funding for the event. We raised awareness in the community about what the Mental Health First Aid program is, and the availability of grant funding. Course evaluation feedback was largely positive and based on the responses, we believe we successfully met all three of our desired outcomes. Individual were equipped with skills that could help them in their work and personal lives in identifying and responding to mental health issues. (See Appendix C for more information.) The group also participated in a number of conversations prior to the event including a presentation at a Hamilton County System of Care meeting. These conversations, while not a direct focus of the project, hopefully planted seeds that could help MHFA take hold in Hamilton County on a more systemic level. Unfortunately, we also discovered that mental health is still not widely discussed or addressed in our communities and it is the hope of the group that these first steps with MHFA will not be the last in Hamilton County. Legacy Plan As has been mentioned throughout this report, our group sees this event as the first step in helping establish MHFA in Hamilton County. One of our hopes was that we would interest an already existing mental health agency in taking the lead with MHFA into the future. It is not presently apparent that we were able to accomplish this goal. PARTICIPANTS JOIN IN A SMALL GROUP ACTIVITY DURING MHFA TRAINING. It would be possible for a future HCLA project group to take the work that was done by this group and continue to establish a more solid foothold with MHFA in Hamilton County. While this has been a good first step there is still work that can and should be done to help broaden our discussions about mental health issues in our community and to equip people to be prepared to help our neighbors who give evidence of mental health issues. 7

8 Appendices 8

9 Appendix A: Program Logic Model I. Situation: program partners and stakeholders What is the program s name? Youth Mental Health First Aid What partners are involved? Who are the program s stakeholders? Program Coordinators: Hamilton County Leadership Academy 2017 MHFA Group Host School District: Westfield Washington Schools YMHFA Instructor(s): Terri Miller HCLA MHFA Group (program coordinators) Westfield Washington Schools YMHFA instructor(s) NAMI Indiana (grant coordinators) Hamilton County Sheriff s Department (sponsors) Target audience / program Other local schools Hamilton County Leadership Academy current class & graduates Is the program meeting the audience s need? Is the program increasing mental health literacy among? Who is the program serving? Which elements of the program produce which outcomes? Is program planning & coordination effective? How are the partners/stakeholders working together? II. Program planning: connecting needs, solutions, and results Who are the audiences? What are some audience considerations? What will be the desired results? Teachers & Educational Staff (from Westfield Schools, and other public schools in the county) Hamilton County Sheriff s Department staff Citizens It is difficult for teachers to attend trainings on a weekend. In-service training for teachers requires coordinating substitutes. Certain times of the school year may impact when training can be scheduled (e.g. breaks, ISTEP) Participants will increase their mental health knowledge & literacy, specifically pertaining to youth. Participants will be able to identify various types of mental health crises and issues that affect youth. Participants will feel more comfortable and empowered to assist in a mental health crisis situation, especially where youth are concerned. More citizens in Hamilton County will be certified in MHFA. 9

10 We do what? III. Logic model summary: program purpose statement Coordinate a Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training session. For whom? For what outcome/benefit(s)? Teachers, school staff, local law enforcement and other citizens who work with youth. Participants will possess basic mental health literacy and a knowledge of Mental Health First Aid. Inputs Project coordinators Funding (NAMI grant, sponsorship) MHFA instructors (2 per class) Course materials (textbooks, handouts, etc.) Course curriculum Training facility (including room, tables, computer, projector, whiteboards, etc.) Online registration form Marketing materials Lunch for program & instructors Activities Partner with Host School District Select date & reserve venue for class Apply for NAMI Indiana YMHFA Grant Arrange for sponsorship dollars (if needed) Establish class budget Arrange for an instructor for class Arrange for class sign up Promote/advertise the class Order class materials (textbooks, name tags, etc.) Order lunch for Arrange for technology needs Print handouts (if needed) Take attendance via sign-in sheet Administer Course Evaluation Form and aggregate/assess responses Participants will be confident in their ability to assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Participants will approach mental health challenges in a compassionate, stigma-free manner. IV. Program elements Services Course Instructor facilitates class instruction & activities Outputs (or counts) # of who register # of who attend # of who complete the course Materials used (number of textbooks, photocopies, fidgets etc.) # of training sessions offered Time spent coordinating the session 10

11 V. Outcomes Outcome 1: Participants possess basic mental health literacy and a knowledge of Mental Health First Aid. Indicator(s) Applied to / Data Source / Interval Target # and % of who report confidence in their ability to recognize the signs that a young person may be dealing with a mental health challenge or crisis. offer a distressed young person basic first aid level information and reassurance about mental health problems. YMHFA Course Evaluation provided to immediately upon completion of course. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #13 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #17 Outcome 2: Participants are confident in their ability to assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Indicator(s) Applied to / Data Source / Interval Target # and % of who report confidence in their ability to reach out to a young person who may be dealing with a mental health challenge. ask a young person whether s/he is considering killing her/himself. assist a young person who may be dealing with a mental health problem or crisis to seek professional help. YMHFA Course Evaluation provided to immediately upon completion of course. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #14 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #15 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #18 assist a young person who may be dealing with a mental health problem or crisis to connect with appropriate community, peer, and personal supports. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #19 11

12 Outcome 3: Participants can approach mental health challenges in a compassionate and stigma-free manner. Indicator(s) Applied to / Data Source / Interval Target # and % of who report confidence in their ability to actively and compassionately listen to a young person in distress. be aware of [his/her] own views and feelings about mental health problems and disorders. YMHFA Course Evaluation provided to immediately upon completion of course. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #16 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #20 12

13 Appendix B: Event Budget HCLA Group Project Youth Mental Health First Aid May 9 th 2017 Budget (based on 35 attendees) Income Sponsorship from Hamilton County Sheriff's Department 1, Grant from National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for trainer stipend Total Income 1, Expenses Additional printed materials ($25 per person x 10 individuals) Lunch ($9.00 per person x 35 individuals) Beverages & snacks ($5 per person x 35 individuals) Name tags Fee for Trainer Total Expenses 1, Total

14 Appendix C: Course Evaluations Summary of Findings Attendance 21 people registered for the course. 18 attended the course. 14 submitted course evaluations. Reasons for Attendance 47% of respondents indicated their employer asked/assigned them 47% of respondents indicated they attended out of personal interest 1 respondent (6%) attended for other professional development reasons Course Satisfaction General feedback for the course itself was mostly positive. There was a high level of agreement that course content was practical and easy to understand, and had adequate opportunity to practice the skills learned. 77% of respondents indicated they would recommend the course to others. Feedback for the instructor was very positive. Participants almost universally agreed that Terri Miller: Led the class with an engaging and approachable presentation style Demonstrated knowledge of material presented, and Facilitated activities and discussion in a clear and effective manner. Desired Outcomes 1. Participants possess basic mental health literacy and a knowledge of Mental Health First Aid 2. Participants are confident in their ability to assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. 3. Participants can approach mental health challenges in a compassionate and stigma-free manner. All indicators for all outcomes were achieved! 14

15 Outcome 1: Participants possess basic mental health literacy and a knowledge of Mental Health First Aid. Indicator(s) Applied to / Data Source / Interval Target Achievement # and % of who report confidence in their ability to recognize the signs that a young person may be dealing with a mental health challenge or crisis. offer a distressed young person basic first aid level information and reassurance about mental health problems. YMHFA Course Evaluation provided to immediately upon completion of course. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #13 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #17 12 out of 14 respondents 86% Success! 13 out of 14 respondents 93% Success! 15

16 Outcome 2: Participants are confident in their ability to assist a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Indicator(s) Applied to / Data Source / Interval Target Achievement # and % of who report confidence in their ability to reach out to a young person who may be dealing with a mental health challenge. ask a young person whether s/he is considering killing her/himself. YMHFA Course Evaluation provided to immediately upon completion of course. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #14 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #15 12 out of 14 respondents 86% Success! 13 out of 14 respondents 93% Success! assist a young person who may be dealing with a mental health problem or crisis to seek professional help. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #18 13 out of 14 respondents 93% Success! 16

17 assist a young person who may be dealing with a mental health problem or crisis to connect with appropriate community, peer, and personal supports. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #19 12 out of 14 respondents 86% Success! Outcome 3: Participants can approach mental health challenges in a compassionate and stigma-free manner. Indicator(s) Applied to / Data Source / Interval Target Achievement # and % of who report confidence in their ability to actively and compassionately listen to a young person in distress. be aware of [his/her] own views and feelings about mental health problems and disorders. YMHFA Course Evaluation provided to immediately upon completion of course. 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #16 85% of agree or strongly agree with question #20 13 out of 14 respondents 93% Success! 12 out 14 respondents 86% Success! 17

18 Skills Learned After completing the course, were most confident in their abilities to: Actively and compassionately listen to a young person in distress. Offer a distressed young person basic first aid level information and reassurance about mental health problems. Application of Knowledge 35% of respondents indicated they would apply skills learned at their job. o Of these, 63% were counselors/school counselors while the remaining 37% worked in law enforcement or correctional roles specific to juvenile services 20.5% of respondents indicated they would apply skills as a parent/guardian 20.5% of respondents indicated they would apply skills as a family member 18% of respondents indicated they would apply skills as a peer/friend 6% of respondents indicated they would apply skills as a volunteer/mentor 18

19 Appendix D: Course Evaluations Data Analysis TOTAL EVALUATIONS RECEIVED: 14 I. Overall Course Evaluation Strongly Disagree Disagree Uncertain Agree Strongly Agree Average 1. Course goals were clearly communicated 2. Course goals & objectives were achieved 3. Course content was practical & easy to understand 4. There was adequate opportunity to practice the skills learned II. Presenter Evaluation Strongly Disagree Disagree Uncertain Agree Strongly Agree Average 1. Instructor s presentation skills were engaging & approachable. 2. Instructor demonstrated knowledge of the material presented

20 3. Instructor facilitated activities and discussion in a clear and effective manner IV. Practical Application As a result of this training, I feel more confident that I can Strongly Disagree Disagree Uncertain Agree Strongly Agree % Agree Strongly Agree Average of All Columns 13. Recognize the signs that a young person may be dealing with a mental health challenge or crisis. 14. Reach out to a young person who may be dealing with a mental health challenge. 15. Ask a young person whether s/he is considering killing her/himself. 16. Actively and compassionatel y listen to a young person in distress % % % %

21 17. Offer a distressed young person basic first aid level information and reassurance about mental health problems. 18. Assist a young person who may be dealing with a mental health problem or crisis to seek professional help. 19. Assist a young person who may be dealing with a mental health problem or crisis to connect with appropriate community, peer and personal supports. 20. Be aware of my own views and feelings about mental health problems and disorders % % % %

22 25. Why did you attend this course? Employer asked/assigned me Personal Interest Other professional development Community or volunteer interest Other 8 (47%) 8 (47%) 1 (6%) School counselor 26. In what role do you see your Mental Health First Aid training being of use? At work As a peer/friend As a parent/guardian As a volunteer/mentor As a family member Other 12 (35%) 6 (18%) 7 (20.5%) 2 (6%) 7 (20.5%) (2) SRO (3) school counselor (2) counselor (1) juvenile corrections 27. Would you recommend this course to others? Yes: 10 (77%) No: 3 (23%) 22

23 Feedback What is your overall response to this course? What do you consider to be the strengths of the course? It was engaging Use the book; actually give definition of mental health disorders Important & informational Mostly positive Good basic level course to introduce a wide variety of people to content Positive! Good It was fun & interesting Good for new teachers or officers Didn t seem to over a lot about youth mental health Should be presented in all districts! Contact; ALGEE Information Information received Covered a difficult topic very well Good content/strategies Scenario activities were helpful Helping others care How to speak with a kid What do you consider to be the weaknesses of the course How to recognize specific illnesses Too many silly activities Could have been nice to know it was an entry level course Too long Too long; consider half day or working lunch Does not give resolutions to problems Was there any issue/topic you expected this course to cover which it did not address? More info on how to help resources Interventions on suicide How to recognize specific illnesses & symptoms Other Feedback: I felt like we went off track quite a bit Please speak up or use microphone Less breakout activities Shorten the course Entry level (for recommendations) Very good job! Good job! 23

24 Appendix E: Handout for Leadership Summit (included on next page) 24

25 Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification Learn how to assist an adolescent (aged 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. This course is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders and eating disorders. To find a training course near you, visit Funding may be available to sponsor a training for your local school. Details can be found on the MHFA website, along with a full list of class offerings. Did You Know? Indiana has the nation s 2 nd highest rate of high school students attempting suicide 1 1 in 5 Indiana youth have contemplated suicide 1 Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death among year olds and 3 rd among year olds 1 Indiana ranks #37 in the nation for access (adult and children combined) to Mental Health care 2 Indiana ranks #34 in the overall health of our youth 2 1 havehope.com 2 Mental Health America 2014 Statistics Resources Mental Health First Aid National Alliance on Mental Illness Aspire Mental Health America of Indiana Community Health Network