One of the needs that has consistently emerged through the work of Northfield Promise has been to ensure that there are proper supports for young people in the community who are struggling with mental health concerns.

Through a partnership between the Rice County Mental Health Collective and the Northfield Public Schools, adults who work with youth are being trained on how to identify and respond to youth with mental health concerns. Titled “Youth Mental Health First Aid,” the training is an 8-hour, evidence-based, best practices training offered by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Click here for the PDF form of the document.

To date, 148 local adults have been trained. Trainees include local educators, after school program staff, parents, volunteers, police officers, and faith community leaders.

Earlier this fall, an additional 160 Northfield Public Schools staff who work with youth in grades 5-12 went through the first half of the training. They will complete the second half in November.

Northfield received a competitive federal grant from SAMHSA to be able to offer this training for free. The training typically costs $80-$100 per person.

If you are interested in being trained or would like to set up a free training for a group of adults that work with youth, please email info@rcmhc.org.