SUNY Potsdam Students Complete Mental Health First Aid Training

Several SUNY Potsdam students recently earned Mental Health First Aid badges for completing special training through the College's Summit Leadership Program.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) prepares individuals to assist others experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. Individuals trained in MHFA are prepared to:

1) Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems.

2) Use a 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional help.

3) Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced negative attitudes in their communities.

4) Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem to treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery.