"So many people say we have a problem with mental health and substance use in our area. It’s time to do something about it."
"So many people say we have a problem with mental health and substance use in our area. It’s time to do something about it."
In south Arkansas, the mental health and substance use crisis is compounded by lack of providers and poor infrastructure that simply cannot meet the demands of individuals in crisis. In the past year, ARHP has taken deliberate steps to move the needle forward on advocacy, collaboration, provider education, and service availability to help treat and prevent these conditions.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an 8-hour course that teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives laypersons the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. To date, ARHP has trained 112 individuals (68 adults, 45 youth) across South Arkansas region in Mental Health First Aid.
"Mental Health First Aid is the tool that can provide the necessary education to promote positive change in our communities. It has been useful to me and my staff to help recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance abuse issues to more effectively treat our patients."
Although mental and behavioral health have long been a major concern across the nation, rural communities are particularly vulnerable due to extremely limited access to mental health professionals and treatment.
ARHP helps expand locally-available screening, education, outreach, case management and counseling services for those at-risk or diagnosed with mental health & substance use issues. We bring South Arkansas healthcare organizations, mental and behavioral health organizations, the legal system, and social service organizations together to begin to address these issues we so desperately need to tackle.