Trainer Christina Aldan Co-facilitates Mental Health First Aid

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - April 28, 2023 - PRLog -- This week Christina Aldan co-facilitated Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for Yale's School of Public Health Elevate Program. The training was held over two days, April 26th and April 27th. Participants received a "MHFA for Adults" certification. They are now certified Mental Health First Aiders who understand the best practices for assisting a person who is having a mental health crisis.

Ms. Aldan is a speaker, trainer, and consultant for Arana Software. She sits also on the board of directors for the Avery Burton Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to reducing the stigma around mental health and providing culturally-competent resources to those who need it most.

MHFA is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. Students learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. MHFA teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.

"The Avery Burton Foundation believes strongly in this work," said Aldan, "our Big Hairy Audacious Goal is to make sure everyone in Nevada knows a person who is certified in Mental Health First Aid so they can get the support they need until they get access to a professional."

While this was a closed certification, future trainings are being scheduled by the Avery Burton Foundation (both virtually and in-person). Anyone who would like more information can contact Reggie Burton or Christina Aldan at https://averyburtonfoundation.org.

About Avery Burton Foundation
The Avery Burton Foundation (ABF) is NOT a suicide prevention agency. ABF is a non-profit 501 c.3 that provides advocacy, educational resources and seeks to end the stigma around mental health. This is done through impactful storytelling via the ABF Resiliency Project and providing Mental Health First Aid (MFHA) tips.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255). In Espanol, please contact 1-888-628-9454. To reach the NEW Suicide Lifeline, dial 988.  For more Culturally Competent providers, check out https://averyburtonfoundation.org/resources/.

About Yale School of Public Health's Elevate Program
Elevate works with government partners in the U.S. to enhance opportunities for growth and success for parents and their children. We infuse government funding streams and policymaking for mental health with capacity. We develop rigorous evidence about what works to reduce maternal depression and improve family social and economic mobility.