The MWAA has five (5) programs to positively affect our vision and mission:
PA Schools Mental Wellness Initiative | Mental Wellness Presentations | Mental Health First Aid Training | Mental Wellness Research Information | Mental Health Advance Directives
PA Schools Mental Wellness Initiative
A collaboration between several organizations to bring comprehensive mental wellness education to Pennsylvania school districts. Learn more about this collaborative approach by clicking here.Mental Wellness Presentations
Members of the Board make public presentations on mental wellness issues. They may last from 10 minutes to several hours.Mental Health First Aid Training
Several Board Members and many other Instructors are nationally certified as Mental Health First Aid Trainers. We have been training people to be Mental Health First Aiders since early 2009.MHFA is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. First aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves. There are Adult and Youth MHFA 8 hour courses which teach participants a five-step plan to assess a situation, select and implement intervention, and secure appropriate care for the individual.
MHFA is an international program founded in Australia and is administered in the United States by the National Council for Behavioral Healthcare, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health. This National certification program introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews common treatments. Thorough evaluation in randomized controlled trials and a quantitative study have proved this CPR-like program effective in improving trainees’ knowledge of mental problems, reducing stigma and increasing the amount of help provided to others.
The Adult Mental Health First Aid training has several focused supplements available and there are continuing education credits for some professional groups (e.g. EMS, Nurses, Social Workers, Teachers, Pastors, Human Resources, PA Certification Board credentialing and re-credentialing). These supplements include specific Mental Health First Aid classes focused on Faith Based Organizations; Corrections, Law Enforcement and public safety personnel ; Military Members Veterans and their Families; Higher Education, Rural and Older Adults. The MWAA has trained for colleges and universities, public and private schools, church denominations, Military and Veteran organizations, and many other venues. The Youth Mental Health First Aid training is for adults who work with children ages 11 through 18. Mature high school students can also take the training to become peer mental health first aiders. MHFA meets the requirements of Act 71 of 2014. Act 48 credits may be obtained. The MWAA has done several trainings for various school districts. Please encourage your school district to schedule a training for their faculty, staff, and seniors.
Both the adult and the youth training are 8 hours long. The participant receives a student manual and upon successful completion of the course national certification for 3 years as a Mental Health First Aider. There are several ways this program can be presented. The MWAA has very affordable rates for this training.
Upcoming Training Events »
Mental Wellness Research Information
Everyday better treatment modalities and wellness initiatives are being discovered. The MWAA disseminates the newest research information at public events, via electronic social networking sites, the internet, and phone and at various health fairs, etc.
Brain and Behavior Research Foundation »
National Institute of Mental Health »
Mental Health Advance Directives
MHADs allows someone to make their choices known regarding mental health treatment in the event a mental health problem strikes and prevents their ability to make decisions. Everyone should have a Mental Health Advance Directive on file with their physician. It includes instructions to doctors, hospitals and other mental health care providers about what treatment you desire and enables designation of an agent to help make decisions for the person in the event the person cannot not make decisions on your own or are unable to communicate their wishes. Pennsylvania law encourages use of Mental Health Advance Directives. The MWAA can assist you and/or provide presentations to groups interested in learning more about MHADs and how to have one properly completed are available. Classes are 1 hour or less.
Mental Health Advance Directives Training
