CareSource Foundation Grant Provides Mental Health Training for First Responders

(COVINGTON, KY – September 27, 2021) – The CareSource Foundation announced today a $60,000 grant to Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio (MHANKYSWOH) to provide Mental Health First Aid to first responders across Northern Kentucky in the following counties: Boone, Campbell, Grant, Pendleton and Kenton.

“CareSource and the CareSource Foundation are well aware that first responders are often the way individuals experiencing a crisis first encounter behavioral health and substance use services,” said Jonas Thom, vice president of behavioral health at CareSource. “Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio is the perfect partner to provide Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety, teaching first responders how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.”

MHANKYSWOH’s Mental Health First Aid seeks to delay the onset, or mitigate the seriousness of mental health and behavioral health problems like substance abuse, addiction, mental illness and suicide in in First Responders, their families and people they serve in the community. Over the last 5 years, MHANKYSWOH, as a member of the MHFA Statewide Collaborative, has certified nearly 10,000 people in Mental Health First Aid and trained over 6,000 people and 200 First Responders in 2020.

“First Responders play a critical role in helping people connect with the resources they want and need,” Elizabeth Atwell, Executive Director of MHANKYSWOH. “We are thrilled to receive a grant from the CareSource Foundation to make Mental Health First Aid available to better equip First Responders in Northern Kentucky.”

To find a Mental Health First Aid class in the Northern Kentucky area, visit https://form.jotform.com/MHFACollaborative/public-safety-military-registration

To find a class outside of the area, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

About Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio (MHANKYSWOH)

Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio (MHANKYSWOH) is a private, non-profit organization serving individuals, families, professionals, lay persons, and communities in Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio. We are committed to preserving and strengthening the mental wellness of all individuals. We pride ourselves on educating the community with current research, best practice prevention techniques, and treatment and recovery options. We provide safety net services, community and professional education, and we're the regional experts in Certified Peer Support.

Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio is dedicated to promoting mental health and working to prevent mental and substance use disorders through education, advocacy, and service.