Blue Valley commits to train 900+ employees in Mental Health First Aid, first in-house training set for Sept. 5

In response to growing demands for mental health support for students in our community, Blue Valley has embraced Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) a program that equips individuals to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Blue Valley’s 17 certified MHFA trainers are set to conduct the first of many training sessions on Sept. 5, 2023.

 

What: Mental Health First Aid Training

When: September 5, 2023 | 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Where: Hilltop Conference Center, 7700 W. 143rd St., Overland Park, KS 66223

 

This training is designed to provide information and build skills, similar to a standard first aid course. It empowers individuals to offer initial help and support to those facing mental health or substance use challenges, or crises.

 

Background

Over the past two years, Blue Valley has trained approximately 180 staff members, including building administrators and head coaches/sponsors, through a partnership with Johnson County Mental Health and Netsmart/Everyday Matters. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from these individuals highlighted the need to further strengthen the capacity of adults working closely with our youth.

 

In June 2023, Blue Valley trained 17 Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructors, who will offer the course on professional learning days in September and April for the next three years. This initiative is set to train approximately 900 staff members in lifesaving mental health support techniques. This initiative is made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Blue Valley Educational Foundation and generous donors, including JE Dunn Construction; Mindy and Tom Herzog; Resurrection, a United Methodist Church; Keep the Spark Alive; Speak Up; and the newly introduced Dianne Shumaker. 

 

Blue Valley is proud to pioneer this approach to training and Mental Health First Aid, making Blue Valley one of the first districts in the nation to embrace this crucial initiative.

 

Media Opportunities

  • Interviews with mental health professionals organizing or leading the training.

  • Insights from participants on their expectations and experiences.

  • Photo and video opportunities during interactive training sessions.