The project will provide Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) to adults (teachers, counselors, community members) who serve individuals ages 10-18 and give them referral resources to share. - San Ysidro Health (SYH) will implement Mental Health Awareness Training in San Diego County, California, emphasizing the South, Central, and East Regions of its service area. The project will focus on adults serving youth ages 10-18, including school personnel, parents, foster, adoptive and kinship caregivers, youth-serving organization staff, and community members, to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness, safely de-escalate crises, and connect youth to appropriate resources. Youth ages 10-18 with concerns including suicidal ideation, anxiety and mood disorders, substance use disorder, or negative social/emotional experiences in school are the primary beneficiaries. SYH will provide Youth Mental Health First Aid, Question, Persuade, Refer, and Awareness, Interaction, Direction training. By September 30, 2029, SYH will train a minimum of 1,500 individuals in mental health awareness and literacy and conduct a minimum of 60 training courses. By April 1, 2027, and ongoing through Years 2 and 3, SYH’s Behavioral Health Department will respond to 98% of referrals made by trainees by making a first phone attempt within 48 hours of receipt. By September 30, 2029, SYH will provide behavioral health referral information to at least 30 community collaboratives and partners.
