Sunday, May 11, 2025
5/11/2025
Puerto Rico Mental Health Awareness Training - The MHAASA PR-MHAT Project will provide training to create awareness for early and correct identification and interventions with individuals showing signs and symptoms of mental illness. The need for the project is based on the vulnerability of the PR population to MH conditions post 2017 natural disasters (Hurricanes Maria and Irma) and the need for skill development in First Responders from varied systems related to crisis management and identification and intervention with persons showing signs of MH conditions. Using the Mental Health First aid (MHFA) EBP, over 3 years, 1,500 First Responders (600 from public education and 900 from law enforcement, veterans services and other systems) will be trained to recognize signs/symptoms of mental disorders, particularly SMI or SED. Linkages will be established with school and community-based agencies to refer those identified for appropriate treatment and other services. Training on appropriate crisis de-escalation techniques and available community resources for persons with MH conditions will be included. The IRESA Project of the University of Central Caribbean (UCC), using trainers certified in the MHFA EB Model, will be contracted as the primary training resource. The project will expand MHAASA's crisis and disaster mitigation and response efforts. Collaboration with public education, MH public and private treatment systems, Public Security (Police, Firemen, Emergency Management) and the VA healthcare will permit identification and recruitment of First Responders to be trained on the MHFA EBP, helping these responders to identify and intervene with potential MH patients and engage them in treatment with support services. The project will be directed to training participants Island wide, with the exception of the municipalities of Bayamon, Orocovis, Barranquitas, Naranjito, Vega Baja, Toa Alta, Cataño, Vega Alta, Comerio and Corozal, these being served through IRESE under another grant. For MH treatment, the MHAASA San Patricio Center for adults and Rio Piedras MH Center for Children and Adolescents, and Medicaid providers such as APS (all licensed and experienced) will be used. Under the MHFA, an 8-hour training will focus on identification and intervention with persons showing signs of mental illness, appropriate de-escalation techniques in crisis situations, appropriate engagement and referral procedures and resources that are available. Project goals/objectives include training 1,500 school, security and veterans staff; establishment of a bank of resources for referrals of populations of focus with which First Responders come in contact, or serve; development of follow-up tracking mechanisms related to referrals of populations of focus; utilization of the MH Advisory Council of MHAASA for input to the project; and awareness created on the importance of early identification and referral to reduce PTSD or other consequences and stigma toward persons with MH conditions. All training logistics will be carried out by the MHAASA T/TA Unit, the director of which will serve as Project Director with a full-time Coordinator for logistical training aspects. A Data Analyst will collect required data on process and statistical outcomes of trainings and on fidelity to the selected MHFA EBP, using standardized instruments of the model and those developed by training resources. A total of $125,000 per year is requested over the 3-year grant period, including funds for training, data collection, and evaluation.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).