On Saturday, April 19, 2014, Skyline College hosted a Mental Health First Aid training event. The event was a collaboration between Psychological Services and the Filipino Mental Health Initiative. Interest was high with over thirty-five people participating in an eight-hour training regarding how to help individuals experiencing a mental illness or crisis. Attendees consisted of staff members and students of Skyline College, and community members. The trainers, Jei Africa and Sisilia Sisita of San Mateo Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, led the group through engaging, interactive exercises as they covered topics such as: recognizing the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses, learning the potential risk factors for developing a mental illness, and carrying out a five-step action plan to help individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Several students reported that it was a great and informative event. All attendees received a certificate of completion and are now recognized as Mental Health First Aiders. Congratulations!
If you are interested in information about future Mental Health First Aid events, please contact Liz Llamas at llamase@smccd.edu.
