Nonprofit expands mental health and suicide prevention training
Photo courtesy of Hope Network
Hope Network has been awarded a $600,000 federal grant to expand mental health awareness and suicide prevention training across Michigan, helping an additional 5,000 people over the next three years learn how to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.
The Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant, awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will equip Hope Network participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond appropriately and connect people with professional care and other resources.
“This funding allows us to continue putting practical, potentially lifesaving skills directly into the hands of people in communities across Michigan,” said Bob Von Kaenel, President and CEO of Hope Network. “You don't have to be a mental health professional to recognize when someone may be struggling or to help connect them with support. By training thousands more people, we can build communities that are better prepared to respond when someone needs help.”
The grant builds on years of suicide prevention and mental health education work through Hope Network, including its Zero Suicide Initiative, which has focused on improving suicide prevention practices, increasing awareness and strengthening the ability of professionals and community members to identify and support people at risk.
Through the initiative, Hope Network provides evidence-based and evidence-informed training, including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), and Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR). The organization has worked with hundreds of organizations and helped thousands of people while strengthening pathways to mental health services.
The new funding will allow Hope Network to continue and expand that work at a time when organizations across Michigan are looking for additional tools to address mental health needs within their workplaces and communities.
“Training creates a ripple effect,” said Rachael Vitale, MBA, Director of Behavioral Health Grants at Hope Network. “When we train one person, that individual takes those skills back to their workplace, school, family or community and is better prepared to recognize when someone is struggling and know what to do next. This grant gives us the stability to continue that work while reaching thousands of additional people over the next three years.”
To request training, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HNTrainings.
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