The Center for School-Based Mental Health Programs is collaborating with Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio, Inc. and their partners to support first aiders trained as part of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training initiative. The CSBMHP team is providing 'What's Next?' support to first aiders following their training.

This support includes:

• coordinating 'What's Next?' components with the MHFA program coordinators
• modifying the already-existing youth-focused resources to support all MHFA programs (e.g., MHFA, YMHFA, minorities, faith-based, and older adults)
• coordinating access of these resources to all mental health first aiders trained throughout the proposed initiative
• serving as a liaison between key stakeholders serving both mental health first aiders and the individuals they are trained to support (e.g., individuals experiencing mental health and behavioral health concerns)
• building statewide capacity to support the Comprehensive Continuum of Mental Health and Behavioral Health Supports
• fostering an effective, long-term, and sustainable MHFA program in Ohio

Mental health first aiders who receive this additional level of resources and support should experience improved self-efficacy (e.g., reduced stress, improved confidence) in their abilities to help individuals in need.