Last week, all 226 K-12 Carroll Community School District (CCSD) staff members participated in a Mental Health First Aid training, expanding support for youth throughout the district. CCSD partnered up with Heartland Area Education Agency, Seasons Center for Behavioral Health, Plains Area Mental Health Center, and the Iowa Healthcare Collaborative to provide this evidence-based program on safely assisting youth experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Superintendent Dr. Casey Berlau says the district has wanted to participate in this program for some time but was having difficulties administering it.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five teens and young adults live with a mental health condition. Berlau says that by engaging in this training, staff will be equipped with the tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.
Berlau says the biggest takeaway from the training was that it brought mental health to the forefront and opened up communication and discussions for those who need help. Part of the discussions involved making sure to watch out for one’s own well-being.
The Mental Health First Aid training is all part of a four-year Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health project. It involves over 13 community organizations through the Carroll County Youth Behavioral Health Consortium. CCSD has already implemented other resources, such as a sensory space in the elementary schools, establishing a mentor program at the elementary school, and is looking to continue to provide additional support for students in need. This project aims to establish and expand sustainable behavioral healthcare services for youth ages 5-17 and to prevent substance misuse in Carroll County.
