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Mental Health First Aid was the topic of discussion for 175 nursing students attending a training session conducted by State of Tennessee professionals at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology recently.
Participants completing the eight hours of training will be certified in Mental Health First Aid for three years, according to Melissa Taylor, RN, nurse consultant in emergency preparedness with the Tennessee Department of Health, pictured at left.
Also pictured is Rana Hill, practical nursing student at TCAT Elizabethton, and Kacie Hauldren, director of practical nursing, who were among attendees.
Taylor said the ultimate goal is to establish Emergency Response Teams in East, Middle and West Tennessee. Team members would be trained in Mental Health First Aid to allow them to interact with a person in crisis and connect the person with help.
The Tennessee Department of Health is providing the training for nurses, hospital staff, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, educators, employers and business leaders, among others.
To schedule a class, contact Taylor at Melissa.A.Taylor@tn.gov. Mental Health First Aid was included in the President’s plan to reduce gun violence and increase access to mental health services. For more information or questions about Mental Health First Aid, visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.