Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based public education and certification program that improves mental health literacy and teaches basic skills to help someone experiencing a mental health problem or crisis and connects them to professional care. During the 12 hour interactive training the individuals who participate and complete the course become certified in MHFA and are aware of the 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

The training addresses the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. The program covers symptoms, causes and evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and substance abuse.

“Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in the world to the individual suffering from mental illness and to their family. The program has helped reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and has changed people’s minds in the community about mental illness. People often start the class viewing individuals with mental illness in a negative light, but finish the training seeing the individual as a person, not their illness.” - Sharon Beals, CEO of TBHS.

The MHFA training addresses possible crisis situations arising from mental health problems and offers ways to work with individuals. Crisis situations could include a person who is feeling suicidal, a person having a panic attack, a person who has had a recent traumatic experience or a person who is acutely psychotic and perceived to be threatening violence. The program is disseminated by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Since Mental Health First Aid was first introduced in the United States in 2008, more than 20,000 people have been trained and a network of 1,350 individuals that have been trained as certified instructors for MHFA.

First aid training is widespread throughout the world to give members of the public skills to help an injured person before medical help arrives. But most first aid courses typically teach little or nothing about helping people with mental health issues. The course does not qualify persons to be a counselor, just as a conventional first aid course does not qualify someone to be a doctor or a nurse. It is designed to provide initial help before mental health services is sought.

The Mental Health First Aid course has benefited a variety of audiences and key professions, including: primary care professionals, employers and business leaders, faith communities, school personnel and educators, state police and corrections officers, nursing home staff, mental health authorities, state policymakers, volunteers, young people, families and the general public.

If you would like further information on how to have this training provided to your community group or staff members, please contact Susan Holder, Director of Marketing and Training at Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems, at 989.673.6191 or 800.462.6814. For further information on Mental Health First Aid visit: www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org

MYTH: There's no hope for people with mental illnesses.

FACT: There are more treatments, services, and community support systems than ever before, and more are in the works. People with mental illnesses lead active, productive lives.

MYTH: I can't do anything for a person with mental illness.

FACT: You can do a lot, starting with how you act and speak. You can create an environment that builds on people's strengths and promotes understanding. For example:

Don't label people with words like "crazy," "wacko," or "loony" or define them by their diagnosis. Instead of saying someone is "a schizophrenic," say he or she "has schizophrenia.” Don't say "a schizophrenic person," say "a person with schizophrenia.” This is called "people-first" language, and it is important to make a distinction between the person and the illness.

Learn the facts about mental health and share them with others, especially if you hear something that is not true.

Treat people with mental illnesses with respect and dignity, just as you would anybody else.

Respect the rights of people with mental illnesses and do not discriminate against them when it comes to housing, employment, or education. Like other people with disabilities, people with mental health problems are protected under federal and state laws.

MYTH: People with mental illnesses are violent and unpredictable.

FACT: Actually, the vast majority of people with mental health conditions are no more violent than anyone else. People with mental illnesses are much more likely to be the victims of crime. You probably know someone with a mental illness and do not even realize it.

MYTH: Mental illnesses don't affect me.

FACT: Mental illnesses are surprisingly common; they affect almost every family in America. Mental illnesses do not discriminate — they can affect anyone.

MYTH: Mental illness is the same as mental retardation.

FACT: These are different conditions. Mental retardation is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and difficulties with certain daily living skills. In contrast, people with mental illnesses — health conditions that cause changes in a person's thinking, mood, and behavior — have varied intellectual functioning, just like the general population.

MYTH: Mental illnesses are brought on by a weakness of character.

FACT: Mental illnesses are a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Social influences, like the loss of a loved one or a job, can also contribute to the development of various mental health problems.

MYTH: People with mental illnesses cannot tolerate the stress of holding down a job.

FACT: All jobs are stressful to some extent. Anybody is more productive when there is a good match between the employee's needs and the working conditions, whether or not the worker has a mental health problem.

MYTH: People with mental health needs, even those who have recovered, tend to be second-rate workers.

FACT: Employers who have hired people with mental illnesses report good attendance and punctuality as well as motivation, good work, and job tenure on par with or greater than other employees. Studies by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) show that there are no differences in productivity when people with mental illnesses are compared to other employees. (Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General, 1999)

MYTH: Once people develop mental illnesses, they will never recover.

FACT: Studies show that most people with mental illnesses get better, and many recover completely. Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Science has shown that hope plays an integral role in an individual's recovery.

MYTH: Therapy and self-help are a waste of time. Why bother when you can just take a pill?

FACT: Treatment varies depending on the individual. A lot of people work with therapists, counselors, friends, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers during the recovery process. They also use self-help strategies and community supports. Often they combine these with some of the most advanced medications available.

MYTH: Children don't experience mental illnesses. Their actions are just products of bad parenting.

FACT: A report from the President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health showed that in any given year five to nine percent of children experience serious emotional disturbances. Just like adult mental illnesses, these are clinically diagnosable health conditions that are a product of the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

MYTH: Children misbehave or fail in school just to get attention.

FACT: Behavior problems can be symptoms of emotional, behavioral, or mental problems, rather than merely attention-seeking devices. These children can succeed in school with appropriate understanding, attention, and mental health services.

MEDIA GUIDE

What is the purpose of the Tuscola Peer Center?
To provide self-help and mutual support group services.
To provide information and referrals on health care, housing and other related services.
To advocate for the civil and legal right of individuals receiving mental health services.
To assist members to acquire self-advocacy skills.
To develop special projects over time, that will help to eliminate the stigma of mental illness and developmental disabilities.

Is this an individual served driven program?
Yes. TPC Board of Directors hires the Director and Assistant Director of the Peer Center to make sure the purpose/goals of the center are carried out. A TBHS Liaison has been assigned to the Peer Center to assist with communication between the two organizations.

How much involvement does TBHS have?
The TPC Board of Directors will be accountable to TBHS, MDHHS, taxpayers, and to individuals who use the Peer Center.

How many individuals serve on the board?
The Board of Directors shall be at least one person, but not more than seven board members. The initial board members were interviewed and appointed by the CEO of TBHS. The Officers shall be a Chairperson, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.

Interested In Serving On The Tuscola Peer Center Board of Directors?
Qualifications to serve on the Peer Center Board of Directors are:

• Past or present individual receiving community mental health services or private mental health services;
• Recovering from a mental illness or have a developmental disability;
• Must be 18 years of age;
• Ability to sign legal documents; and
• Willing to take on a leadership role.

Board applications are available upon request at Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems Administrative Services (Echols Building), the Personal Independence Center, or by contacting your caseworker. If you have any questions, please call the

Peer Support Specialist at 989.673.6191 or 1.800.462.6814.

Tuscola Peer Center is a smoke free facility.

Tuscola Peer Center

Where is the Tuscola Peer Center (TPC) located?
The Peer Center is located at

406 West Frank Street
Caro, MI 48723

General Telephone #: 989-589-5824
Office Telephone #: 989-589-5820

Hours of operation are as follows:

Monday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Anti Stigma

Stigma is the feeling of fear or shame associated with mental illness. Despite an abundance of medical and other scientific information about mental illness, some people still believe it is a topic that should never be spoken about in public and that it is a sign of moral or personal weakness.

Stigma is ignorance – not having enough knowledge or information to really understand what mental illness is all about. Stigma includes name-calling, making jokes at the expense of those who suffer from mental illness, and perpetuating myths about the mentally ill. Stigma hurts those who work very hard to battle their illnesses. It also hurts those who have lost a loved one to suicide due to mental illness or who are trying to support their loved one as they cope with mental illness.

How can you fight stigma? First, educate yourself about mental illness. Then, use this information to inform others when you believe they do not understand the realities of mental illness. Finally, speak out. Mental illness is not a topic that should remain in the shadows of secrecy. The more people who are willing to be open about mental illness, the quicker stigma will disappear and those working to overcome these diseases will not have the additional burden of fighting people’s prejudices and false beliefs.

Click on the links below to see famous people who had/have a developmental disability or mental illness.

Famous People with Developmental Disability

Famous People with a Mental Illness

To Apply for SSI: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

SSI FAQ: https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/

SSI Checklist: https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/radr/10/ovw001-checklist.pdf

To Apply for Medicare: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/#anchor4

Medicare information: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10530.pdf

Checklist for applying for Medicare: https://www.ssa.gov/hlp/isba/10/isba-checklist.pdf

To Applying for Medicaid: www.michigan.gov/mibridges

Checklist: https://www.medicareinteractive.org/get-answers/cost-saving-programs-for-people-with-medicare/medicare-and-medicaid/how-to-apply-for-medicaid#:

Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress—This SAMHSA tip sheet gives stress prevention and management tips for dealing with the effects of a disaster or trauma. It identifies common reactions to disasters and other traumatic events, lists tips to manage and lower stress, and highlights signs of the need for professional support. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Survivors-of-a-Disaster-or-Other-Traumatic-Event-Managing-Stress/SMA13-4776

This tip sheet is also available in Spanish at https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Survivors-of-a-Disaster-or-Other-Traumatic-Event-Managing-Stress-Spanish-Version-/SMA13-4776SPANISH. A similar tip sheet is available in Punjabi at https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Survivors-of-a-Traumatic-Event-Managing-Your-Stress-Punjabi-Version-/NMH05-0209PUNJABI.

Bounce Back Now—Bounce Back Now is a free mobile app available through the Google Play and App Stores. It is intended to help people with coping and resilience after a natural disaster or incident of mass violence. Once users have created an account, they can complete regular questionnaires to assess mental health, access education and coping tools, and put together a plan for improving emotional health. There are also parenting tips for helping children and teens in coping with the emotional impacts of a disaster. https://www.bouncebacknow.org

Tips for Survivors: Coping With Grief After Community Violence—This SAMHSA tip sheet identifies signs of grief and anger after an incident of community violence, provides useful information about to how to cope with grief, and offers tips for helping children with coping. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Coping-With-Grief-After-Community-Violence/SMA14-4888

Mental Health Considerations After a Traumatic Event—A product of Voices Center for Resilience, a nonprofit formed after the attacks of September 11, 2001, this tip sheet highlights common reactions to acts of violence, civil unrest, or terrorism. It identifies signs of the need for professional mental health support, coping tips during short- and long-term recovery, and signs of mental illnesses that may arise in the aftermath of exposure to violence. https://media.voicesofseptember11.org/projects/tipsheets/trauma_tips_mentalhealth_001.pdf

Recovery in the Aftermath of Workplace Violence: Guidance for Supervisors—This fact sheet from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS), a companion to a similar resource for workers, describes how managers and supervisors can support recovery from an incident of violence in the workplace. Suggestions include communicating with employees about what is known about the incident, offering tips to employees to help them cope with their reactions, and engaging in self-care to convey a sense of calm and control in the workplace after the incident. https://www.cstsonline.org/resources/resource-master-list/recovery-in-the-aftermath-of-workplace-violence-guidance-for-supervisors

Recovery in the Aftermath of Workplace Violence: Guidance for Workers—In this fact sheet, the CSTS notes challenges workers may face when they return to their place of employment after a violent incident. The fact sheet highlights information workers should try to get as early as possible after the event, as well as steps workers can take to support themselves in coping and accessing resilience. A companion fact sheet offers similar information to supervisors. https://www.cstsonline.org/resources/resource-master-list/recovery-in-the-aftermath-of-workplace-violence-guidance-for-workers

Trama Focusced Caregiver Education Brochure

Understanding Child Trauma—This web page from SAMHSA presents statistics on child trauma, which may be experienced as part of a natural or human-caused disaster, and lists signs of traumatic stress in children and youth. It also offers tips for parents and other caregivers for helping children and youth to cope with trauma. Links are also provided to downloadable infographics in English and Spanish provided by the SAMHSA National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative. https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/understanding-child-trauma

Psychological First Aid for Schools (PFA-S) Field Operations Guide, 2nd Edition—Developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, this guide defines PFA-S, a model that school communities can use to support students, their families, and staff immediately after a natural or human-caused disaster. Appendix C of the guide includes handouts for responders, parents and families, and students after a disaster. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/psychological-first-aid-schools-pfa-s-field-operations-guide

Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event—In this information and tip sheet, the NCTSN provides an overview of how children and adolescents may react to a traumatic event, including a natural or human-caused disaster that they experience as traumatic. This resource describes reactions typical within specific age ranges and offers tips for families, doctors, and school personnel to help children and adolescents cope. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/age-related-reactions-traumatic-event

Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators—In this 1-page tip sheet, the NCTSN identifies 10 ways youth may react to community traumas such as natural or human-caused disasters and suggests ways for educators to respond to these reactions and support youth in coping. The tip sheet also advises educators to find professional mental health support for youth—and for themselves—as needed. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/helping-youth-after-community-trauma-tips-educators

Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting—In this 3-page tip sheet released shortly after a shooting, the NCTSN describes how such an event may affect children and teens as well as parents and other caregivers. The tip sheet lists reactions common among people of all ages, offers coping tips for caregivers, and suggests ways for caregivers to support children and youth in talking about and managing their reactions. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/parent-guidelines-helping-youth-after-recent-shooting This resource is available in Spanish at https://www.nctsn.org/resources/guia-para-los-padres-para-ayudar-los-jovenes-despues-de-un-tiroteo-reciente.

Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting—This document from the NCTSN lists reactions people may have to a shooting and related experiences (such as loss of loved ones and disruption of routines). It describes grief reactions, depression, and physical reactions, and it highlights ways to cope effectively with reactions to a shooting. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/psychological-impact-recent-shooting

Recovery From Large-Scale Crises: Guidelines for Crisis Teams and Administrators—In this tip sheet, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) describes what to expect in schools after disasters and other crises and how school crisis teams and administrators can support the school community in coping and recovery. NASP identifies steps administrators and crisis teams can take at different points after the crisis, from immediately after the crisis to more than a year later. https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/recovery-from-large-scale-crises-guidelines-for-crisis-teams-and-administrators

Tips for Disaster Responders: Preventing and Managing Stress—This SAMHSA tip sheet helps disaster response workers understand, prevent, and manage stress. It describes various stressors for responders during deployment, lists signs of stress, suggests ways to prepare for stress management prior to deployment, and highlights ways to manage stress during and after deployment. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Preventing-and-Managing-Stress/SMA14-4873 This tip sheet is available in Spanish at https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Disaster-Responders-Preventing-And-Managing-Stress-Spanish-Version-/SMA14-4873SPANISH.

Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself—This online article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of responder self-care and presents steps responders can take before, during, and after deployment to manage stress and avoid burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Suggestions are provided for working with other responders on stress management and maintaining habits to support health and optimal functioning. https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/responders.asp

First Responders and Recovery Workers: Responding to a Traumatic Event—In this tip sheet, the nonprofit organization Voices Center for Resilience provides an overview of impacts that responding to acts of violence, civil unrest, or terrorism can have on responders. The tip sheet lists steps leaders can take in support of the mental health of their teams, tips for workload and stress management, and suggestions for trainings for responders to complete in support of their mental health during disaster response. https://voicescenter.org/tip-sheets/trauma/responders

Psychological First Aid: How You Can Support Well-Being in Disaster Victims—This fact sheet from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress explains how disaster response workers can use Psychological First Aid to help people in distress after a disaster. The fact sheet highlights the core goals of Psychological First Aid, as well as do’s and don’ts of helping survivors of a disaster. https://www.cstsonline.org/resources/resource-master-list/psychological-first-aid

Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Coping With Retraumatization—In this tip sheet, SAMHSA defines retraumatization as "reliving stress reactions experienced as a result of a traumatic event when faced with a new, similar incident," notes that retraumatization is common, and identifies ways to cope. The tip sheet lists events that may lead to retraumatization, highlights retraumatization signs and symptoms, and offers suggestions for coping. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/Tips-for-Survivors-of-a-Disaster-or-Other-Traumatic-Event-/sma17-5047 This tip sheet is available in Spanish at https://store.samhsa.gov/product/tips-survivors-disaster-or-other-traumatic-event-dealing-re-traumatization-spanish-version/PEP20-01-01-025.

Media Coverage of Traumatic Events: Research on Effects—This online article for mental health and substance use disorder treatment professionals provides an overview of research on the effects of intense media exposure following a disaster. This article describes the association between media coverage of traumatic events and stress symptoms and closes with suggestions for practitioners in offering guidance to patients. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/media_coverage_trauma.asp

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline—The SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) provides free, confidential crisis counseling and support to people in distress due to natural and human-caused disasters. The DDH is available 24/7, on all days of the year, via talk or text to 1–800–985–5990. The line also offers support in Spanish (people who call or text should press 2 for this option) and several additional languages other than English. People who are deaf or hard of hearing or who have other speech or hearing disabilities can use the texting option or, if they would like support in American Sign Language (ASL), they can call the DDH’s toll-free number via videophone-enabled device or click the “ASL Now” link at the DDH website. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline—The SAMHSA-funded National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a source of support available 24/7 to people in crisis, including challenging reactions to disasters. Call 1–800–273–TALK (1–800–273–8255), or, for support in Spanish, call 1–888–628–9454. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org The website is available in Spanish at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/help-yourself/en-espanol.

A disaster event often brings out strong emotions. People can call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline’s toll-free number (1–800–985–5990) and receive immediate counseling. This free, confidential, and multilingual crisis support service is available to anyone experiencing psychological distress as a result of this event. People who call and text are connected to trained and caring professionals from crisis counseling centers in the network. Helpline staff provide confidential counseling, referrals, and other needed support services.

The SAMHSA Disaster App allows disaster behavioral health responders to navigate resources related to pre-deployment preparation, on-the-ground assistance, and post-deployment resources. Users can also share resources from the app via text message or email and quickly identify local mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/samhsa-disaster

Should you have further questions, please feel free to contact me directly; my phone number, email, and mailing address appear below. You may also reach a technical assistance specialist at SAMHSA DTAC by calling 1–800–308–3515 or emailing dtac@iqsolutions.com.

Mental Health First Aid USA

Mental Health Code

Michigan Home Based Family Services

Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan

Helping Hands

Peer Support for Veterans

What A Difference A Friend Makes

Parents Guide to Recognizing & Treating Depression

211 NE Michigan

Tips for Talking with and Helping Children & Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event

After A Suicide Tool Kit for Schools

Drug Task Force Tool Kit

OK2SAY Website

Suicide Survivors Support Group

Program and Services of HDC

Ask Yourself - A Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention & Resource Guide

Sharing Hope: An African American Guide to Mental Health

A Resource Guide for Families Dealing with Mental Illness

Starting the Conversation: College and Your Mental Health

What Families Need to Know about Adolescent Depression

Senior Life Solutions

Talking About Mental Health Video

MDHHS Prevention Brochure

Your Guide to Special Education

Michigan Alliance For Families

Legal Services for Senior Citizens

NARCAN Flyer 2018

National Human Trafficking Hotline