Evaluation of Adult Mental Health First Aid: Findings from 2015-2017 post-course surveys

Introduction: Lack of knowledge about mental health, lack of access to mental health care, and stigma create substantial barriers to the overall United States adult population from seeking or helping individuals with behavioral health issues. This study evaluated Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses, an evidence-based program for increasing mental health knowledge, decreasing stigma, and increasing the community’s confidence in helping and frequency of referring people in need. Methods: This retrospective evaluation of 2015-2017 Adult MHFA courses, utilizes qualitative and quantitative data from post-course surveys completed by course participants. Quantitative data was measured using a five-point Likert Scale. Qualitative data was analyzed by scanning the set of responses and identifying themes. Results: In three years, 1635 individuals attended an Adult MHFA training course. Questionnaire data was collected from 1425 (Age% 2544 = 53.5; Female % = 73.1; Caucasian/White % = 73.8). Participants found the course to be beneficial; where communication of course goals, the presentation of content, and skill application statements were mostly scored with Agree/Strongly Agree. Qualitative data revealed the themes on the following factors: learning methods, presentation, course content, and the ALGEE action plan. Conclusion: Adult MHFA trainings through Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare have received constructive feedback to its learning outcomes, presentation of course content, and the methods used. This evaluation report concludes, that a relevant course like MHFA can positively influence mental health knowledge, awareness, and support skills, among the population of the Region 6 area. Recommendations: In terms of recommendations for the future of the course, several suggestions can be made including; useful things for trainers to know, strategic plan for the future, and improvement to the course and process. EVAULUATION OF ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID 3 Purpose of Report Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare The Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) directs the administration, supervision, and organization of the state’s public behavioral health system. The Division’s efforts are in collaboration with Regional Behavioral Health Authorities. The state of Nebraska is split into six behavioral health regions. These are local units of government that partners with the state to do planning and service implementation. This arrangement allows for a unique partnership among the county, state, and federal governments, county residents, and community organizations. The Division of Behavioral Health works with the six Regional Behavioral Health Authorities to purchase community-based mental health and substance use disorder services using state dollars. The organization of interest in this report is Region 6 Behavioral Healthcare (Region 6). This organization plans, develops and evaluates behavioral health services in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, and Washington counties in eastern Nebraska. The publicly funded behavioral health organization, monitors mental health, substance abuse prevention, treatment and rehabilitative services offered by a network of healthcare service providers.