AUSTIN, Texas —
Austin Public Health is partnering with Integral Care to give a presentation on a free program to help teenagers and children suffering from a mental health crisis.
Youth Mental Health First Aid training is being held by Integral Care staff, and the presentation will begin at 9:30 a.m. at their Dove Springs Clinic in South Austin.
The training teaches adults and those around them the signs to look out for and resources to use when it comes to mental health. Just like regular first aid, representatives from Integral Care said this can save lives.
Integral Care is a local mental health authority that provides treatment and resources for the city of Austin and Travis County.
The organization's CEO, Jeff Richardson, said they've seen a huge uptick in the need for children's mental health resources.
This training will help those either not familiar or not comfortable confronting someone they see struggling with mental health issues. It's meant for adults working with teenagers and children, welcoming individuals, schools, businesses and/or organizations.
"This is a way to reach a wider community of folks that have regular connections with our youth to help them get to get the support and the treatment and the services that they may need," Richardson said. "If we intervene early, we can prevent more significant challenges that youth have both in school and in their lives."
Speaking to that uptick in need, Richardson said in the past five years, there has been a 65% increase in suicides among youth.
He added that recently, nearly 47% of children in Texas reported feeling sad for multiple weeks at a time.
He said this training recognizes the need for help and that getting someone assistance early on can save lives.
"We've seen tremendous successes. When people help identify when a youth is struggling or an adult is struggling and being able to get that person the care and supports that they need," Richardson said. "This training really helps people do everything from asking the right questions but also identifying how to get support for folks who need it."
Anyone interested in completing the training for free can find that information here.