Reps. Matsui, Jenkins To Host Mental Health First Aid Briefing
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 18, 2015
Rep. Jenkins Contact: Tom Brandt
Rep. Matsui Contact: Julie Eddy
Reps. Matsui, Jenkins To Host Mental Health First Aid Briefing
On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) will host a Mental Health First Aid briefing as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. This event is sponsored by the National Council for Behavioral Health. In April, Congresswoman Jenkins and Congresswoman Matsui introduced H.R. 1877, the Mental Health First Aid Act. This event is open to Congressional staff and the press:
Tuesday, May 19, 2015:
Congresswoman Matsui, Jenkins Hosts Mental Health First Aid Briefing
When: 1:30 p.m.
Location: 2103 Rayburn House Office Building
Panelists:
David Johnson, Chief Executive Office, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, Lawrence, Kansas
Laira Roth, Mental Health First Aid Project Manager, National Council for Behavioral Health
Jamie McDonald, Wellness, Health Promotion andamp; Prevention Manager, Fairfax County Community Service Board
What Is Mental Health First Aid
Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
Last November, Congresswoman Jenkins hosted the first-ever Mental Health First Aid training for veterans in Kansas with the KU Collegiate Veterans Association, KU Counseling and Psychological Services, the KU Graduate Military Programs, and the National Council on Behavioral Health.
Congresswoman Matsui is also working with the National Council for Behavioral Health to implement a demonstration project based on her Excellence in Mental Health Act, which will provide new funding for community behavioral health centers across the country.
The National Council for Behavioral Health represents 2,000 Community Mental Health Centers and other community-based behavioral health providers serving more than 8 million people with serious mental health and addiction disorders.
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