DCBC SPOTLIGHT
Mental Health Training
T
he District of Columbia Baptist Convention is engaged in a one-year initiative with the District of Columbia Baptist Foundation to launch a series of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) certification courses for congregations and community members in the DC region. Normally, this course is valued at $170 per person; however, through this initiative, which is being funded by the DC Baptist Foundation, the cost for DCBC members will be $25 per person and for nonDCBC members $75 per person. A certified MHFA instructor from the faith community with experience working with DCBC congregations will facilitate the courses, which may be delivered in person, virtually or via a hybrid in-person/virtual format. Since the pandemic began, congregations in our region and across the country have identified increased mental health challenges experienced by congregants and their families. The course is ideal for church leaders, volunteers and concerned community members who will learn to identify the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Mental Health First Aiders are equipped with an action plan to respond effectively to an individual experiencing an emerging mental health challenge or crisis.
This year, DCBC will sponsor training for at least 220 first aiders. At the completion of this 8-hour training program, participants will receive nationally recognized certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. They also will… • increase their mental health literacy • increase their confidence in providing support to someone in distress • increase their knowledge of professional and self-help resources • help decrease the stigma associated with mental health concerns and responses This partnership will help our congregations to continue to be the difference and help save lives one conversation at a time. Registration for a course can be on an individual basis or churches can request to have their members/volunteers train as a group. MHFA/YMHFA course information is available at www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org and registration information about either individual or group-based training can be found at www.dcbaptist.org. You can also contact Jevon Billups at jevonbillups@gmail.com or 571-378-3030, or contact the DCBC Office at info@dcbaptist.org or 202-265-1526. — Jevon Billups, DCBC Mental Health Coordinator
April/May 2022 | Capital Baptist Newsletter
26
