Summary: Cypress Resilience Project and California Opioid Prevention Network (COPN), two programs of Public Health Institute, will partner to provide Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification to 6000 members of COPN’s local opioid overdose prevention coalitions. MHFA is an evidence-based curriculum that helps participants recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, intervene in a crisis, and connect people to appropriate support.
Populations to be Served: Cypress will provide MHFA certification for members of COPN’s 46 local coalitions and their extended networks. These coalitions are located in 43 of California’s 58 counties and serve 85%, or 33 million, of California’s nearly 40 million people.
COPN supports coalitions, organizations, and individuals working at the forefront of California’s overdose epidemic using a multi-sector approach. Coalition members represent law enforcement, first responders, doctors and other health professionals, librarians, teachers, city officials, clergy, and staff at drug treatment centers among others. Coalitions serve diverse populations in many Federally-recognized Medically Underserved Areas and Health Professional Shortage Areas, including Lake, El Dorado, Humboldt, and San Benito Counties.
Strategies/Interventions: MHFA is an evidence-based public education program operated by the National Council for Behavioral Health that confers a 3-year certification to participants upon successful completion of the training course. The curriculum teaches participants to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness, identify resources in their communities for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges, and safely de-escalate mental health or substance use crises, including how to intervene during an overdose using the recovery position and Naloxone. In addition to certifying COPN coalition members in MHFA, Cypress will implement a comprehensive mental health awareness training plan that includes region-specific templates and referral guides.
Project Goals/Measurable Objectives: Cypress will begin training within one month of receiving funds, at a rate of 1200 individuals per grant year. The overall goal is to increase the capacity of the COPN coalitions to respond to mental health challenges that may contribute to substance abuse and opioid overdose. By September 29, 2026, Cypress will have certified 6,000 individuals in Mental Health First Aid through COPN. By September 29, 2026, 80% of MHFA participants trained under this project will report increased confidence in their ability to assist an individual experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. By September 29, 2026, 60% of MHFA participants trained under this project will report increased ability to connect individuals they serve with professional help for mental health and substance use disorders.
