Sixteen take mental health first aid training

Optum Idaho and the Speedy Foundation welcomed 16 participants to a Mental Health First Aid training course held at Challis Community Church, last Thursday and Friday. This marks the tenth Idaho session delivered through a partnership between the two organizations.

September is Recovery Month, a national observance dedicated to promoting the message that, with the right help and support, people can and do recover from mental health and substance use disorders to live healthy, self-directed lives as valuable members of their community. These types of disorders impact thousands of people in Idaho including many of our friends, neighbors and co-workers. Just as people are trained to administer CPR or the Heimlich maneuver in emergency situations, the partnership believes Idahoans should be equipped with the tools needed to recognize and respond appropriately to individuals who are suffering from mental health, emotional or substance use issues.

"Knowing what to do when an individual is experiencing a mental health or substance use issue increases the chances that they will access professional care," said Becky diVittorio, executive director of Optum Idaho. "Mental Health First Aid teaches participants what to look for, how to respond and where to find support when someone needs help."

The Speedy Foundation, an organization dedicated to preventing suicide through education and outreach in the community, partnered with Optum Idaho in 2014 to deliver free Mental Health First Aid training courses to rural communities throughout the state. The partnership provides qualified leadership, logistical support, printed course materials and awareness campaigns for the 8-hour, day-and-a-half long courses.

"Signs of mental illness can be difficult to detect, and even when we know something is amiss, we may not know what steps to take to help someone get the support they need," said Shannon Decker, co-founder and president of The Speedy Foundation. "We are committed to working with Optum Idaho to increase awareness about suicide prevention and assist people throughout the state who are affected by mental illness."

Since 2014, nearly 200 participants from local communities, law enforcement agencies, parishes, and political and health organizations have attended Mental Health First Aid training courses held in Duck Valley, Shoshone, Montpelier, Weiser, Boise, Salmon, Sandpoint, Idaho City and Grangeville.

Early identification can speed recovery and help avoid many of the serious consequences of untreated mental illness. Local community members can get involved with Mental Health First Aid training by raising awareness and attending the no-charge course. For more information on upcoming courses to be held in Idaho, contact Optum Idaho at (208) 914-2013 or amanda.lehto@optum.com.

About

The Speedy Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to understanding mental illness, preventing suicide and fighting stigma through education, research, and advocacy. It was formed in 2011 in the loving memory of Idaho native Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, an Olympic freestyle aerials medalist whose life was characterized by his service to others.

Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business dedicated to helping make the health system work better for everyone. Optum Idaho manages outpatient mental health and substance use disorder services for adults and children enrolled in Medicaid through the Idaho Behavioral Health Plan.