I read your article by Christine Skorepa "Giving to the forgotten - Gift of Hope program aids those with mental health issues" in the Prince George Citizen on Dec. 24, and I want to thank you for raising the issues of mental illness.
I want to share with you and the citizens of Prince George a hopeful initiative in the field of mental illness.
Mental Health First Aid Canada (MHFA) is a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada that gives people the skills to provide that early help that is so important in recovery.
MHFA is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Just as physical first-aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found, or until the crisis is resolved.
Thanks to a grant obtained by the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, there will be 12 MHFA instructor's trained in January. These 12 Instructors will be able to provide MHFA training in Prince George and surrounding communities for adults who interact with young people between 12 to 24.
One in three Canadians will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life.
The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Let's work together to help promote a positive attitude toward the mentally ill and mental illness and general.
To find out how you can get involved and make a difference in someone's life, go to: ww.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca
Sandy Allen, program director
Mental Health First Aid Canada
Mental Health Commission of Canada
