Where did Mental Health First Aid come from?
Betty Kitchener and Professor Tony Jorm developed the MHFA program at the Centre for Mental Health Research in Canberra in 2000, in response to the widespread ignorance of mental health problems and the recognition of the immense need for such training. MHFA was quickly embraced nationally and internationally (US, Canada, Scotland, Hong Kong) as a significant and important tool in the facilitation of societal health. Many hospitals, government dept’s, police, legal services, ambulance drivers, NGO’s, universities community centres, managers, carers have taken the training on board. The program is now auspiced by the Orygen Research Centre, Dept Psychiatry, University of Melbourne. MHFA and its innovators have received many awards, the most recent being it's first international award; The 2008 Excellence in Mental Health Education Award USA. Evaluations have been published demonstrating the many positive benefits including increased mental health literacy and confidence in dealing with mental health issues.
For information on awards and evaluation, visit http://www.mhfa.com.au
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