BHcare program trains Branford first responders in mental health first aid

A total of 102 members of Branford’s Police and Fire Departments recently completed Mental Health First Aid Training, provided by BHcare.  

Participants in the course learned tools and tips to help them better understand mental illnesses and addictions, and how to effectively respond to and deescalate incidents without compromising the safety of those involved.

BHcare is a regional community provider of behavioral health, addiction prevention, and domestic violence services for the Shoreline, Greater New Haven, and Lower Naugatuck Valley communities. 

The objective of Mental Health First Aid training is to expand people’s knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments, to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and help people understand and accept mental illness as a medical condition. 

“We are very proud to partner with BHcare for the training to increase our officers’ knowledge base,” said Capt. Geoff Morgan of the Branford Police Department. “Our agency remains committed to treat everyone in our community with the dignity and respect they deserve.” 

“The Mental Health First Aid Public Safety Program is about giving our first responders the tools they need to improve their response to people experiencing mental health crises,” said Pamela Mautte, Director, BHcare’s Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council.

The officers and firemen had nothing but positive remarks regarding the course. One said, “I would encourage all first responders to take this course.”  

Another commented, “It was very informational, I can apply this information to my work but also to everyday life.” A third officer remarked, “This was the best training I have had as a police officer.”

To learn more about MHFA training and how it can help you and your business or agency, visit www.VSAAC.com.

VSAAC, a program of BHcare, is a public/private partnership comprised of community leaders and citizens who develop and carry out strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, drug use, suicide, risky behaviors, and promote good mental health among youth and, over time, among adults through community education, community mobilization, public awareness, and advocacy in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Greater New Haven and surrounding communities. 
For more information, visit www.VSAAC.com. 

For more information, about BHcare, visit www.bhcare.org.

This is a press release from BHcare.