Successful Mental Health Training Partnership Extended for Second Year

NEW YORK, Jan. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Every 40 seconds, someone in the world dies by suicide. But when people know how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use problems, nearly all of these deaths are preventable. For the second year, the National Council for Behavioral Health and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention have partnered to give more people these critical skills through Mental Health First Aid training.

"Last year, through our extensive chapter network, we were able to hold 100 trainings across the U.S. where individuals were educated through this program. We are pleased to offer Mental Health First Aid in collaboration with the National Council for another year," said Robert Gebbia, CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. "This training will save lives."

"The Mental Health First Aid movement is half a million strong and growing every day," said Linda Rosenberg, president and CEO of the National Council. "The National Council is thrilled to announce a new campaign, 'Be 1 in a Million,' to train 1 million people in Mental Health First Aid. Partnerships like the one between the National Council and AFSP will be critical in helping get this important training to as many Americans as possible."

Mental Health First Aid is an in-person training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. To-date, more than 500,000 people in the U.S. have completed the Mental Health First Aid course.

Last year AFSP organized Mental Health First Aid courses in 17 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Pennsylvania.

Mental Health First Aid USA, operated by the National Council, is listed on the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration's National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices.

To find a training near you, visit: http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

The National Council for Behavioral Health is the unifying voice of America's community mental health and addictions treatment organizations. Together with 2,500 member organizations, it serves more than 10 million adults and children living with mental illnesses and addiction disorders. The organization is committed to ensuring all Americans have access to comprehensive, high-quality care that affords every opportunity for recovery and full participation in community life. To learn more about the National Council, visit www.TheNationalCouncil.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160104/319003

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention