MHFA19 - Faith and Healing: Integrating Mental Health First Aid in Communities of Faith

Sunday, May 4, 2025

1:45 PM – 2:45 PM ET

Location: 105AB

BIPOC Communities of Faith continue to struggle with the discussion of mental health. As MHFA and YMHFA Instructors, we are aware of our responsibility to generate trust and buy-in to strengthen our program and mental health competencies in the communities we serve. Join us as we discuss approaches to beginning the conversation of mental health and increasing relevance of MHFA curriculums when implementing the training in faith-based organizations.

Participants will leave the session with concrete and transferable strategies for training when working within a faith-based environment.

Learning Objectives:

Discuss the significance of relevance of the curriculum when teaching Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Identify areas in Youth Mental Health First Aid where there is a gap in relevance to faith-based organizations.
Explore strategies to make Youth Mental Health First Aid more relevant to faith-based organizations.
Identify the stigmas associated with mental health in the BIPOC Faith Based Communities and ways to educate.
Recognize the importance of knowing cultural differences in prentation techniques and education materials provided thorughout the day.

Presenter - MHFA Summit(s)

Terrence J. Drayton

Training Coordinator
Westcare Foudation
Atlanta, Georgia
Ava R. Dean, BSN/MPH

Program Consultant/Nurse
Independent Contractor
Irmo, South Carolina

Moderator - MHFA Summit(s)

Jim Kirk

MHFA National Trainer
National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Tucson, Arizona