• #BETHEDIFFERENCE Mental Health First Aid Course Opens the 146th Annual Gathering

#BETHEDIFFERENCE:

M e nta l He a l th F ir s t Ai d Cour s e Op e ns the 14 6 th Annual Gathering

By Rev. Jevon Billups

Rev. Jevon Billups opens the 146th Annual Gathering at St. Stephen Baptist Church with the Mental Health First Aid certification course.

This year, DCBC’s Annual Gathering at St. Stephen Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland, opened with the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course, sponsored by a generous grant from the DCBC Foundation. Twentyfour participants responded to call to “be the difference” by becoming advocates, empowering their communities, and improving self-care and wellness. The participants, who completed the MHFA certification, represented 13 DCBC member churches, one nonmember church and one higher education institution. To date, 26 DCBC member churches have either hosted courses or have leaders/member who have completed this training.

Several topics were discussed touching on a variety of mental health and wellness concerns from the pulpit to the pew and throughout the immediate communities where our congregations serve. The participants were equipped with techniques to navigate complicated discussions around more severe or chronic mental health challenges and respond to persons in crises,

including panic attacks, substance use overdose, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and severe psychotic states. The conversations around the tables were very rich, robust, impactful, provocative and informative, as the participants exchanged ideas and learned how to help others help themselves. They engaged in several activities, small group discussions and worked through scenarios to strengthen their observation skills, recognize signs and symptoms, increase confidence when engaging someone showing concerns or distress, and become a vital link in helping others seek further assistance. “I feel like this is the most worthwhile course I’ve ever taken,” shared one participant. Another said: “It has allowed me the opportunity to look at myself in this category of service from a more precautionary position,” and, another was thankful for the training.

Mental Health First Aid equips participants with the skills to be the first line of support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges or crises. The DCBC Foundation has graciously extended our grant opportunity another year, and DCBC would like to partner with your congregation to bring MHFA to your church or community. For more information about hosting or attending a course, email me at jevon.billups@dcbaptist.org.

Rev. Jevon Billups is an MHFA National Trainer and the DCBC Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator.

MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING

Darkness to Light

Darkness to Light (aka Stewards of Children®) is an evidence-informed, award-winning two-hour training that teaches adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

Through interviews with child sexual abuse survivors, experts and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families and communities.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12–18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.

The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a fivestep action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders.