Last month, 28 teachers in School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) were trained in mental health first aid. 

This is important training for school staff as mental health and substance use disorders often start in adolescence or early adulthood. These challenges can affect a young person’s education, movement into occupational roles, and the formation of key social relationships and healthy habits related to eating, sleeping, and substance use. 

Empowering staff to detect signs early and ensure an individual is properly supported is critical, which is why we trained multiple adults from all of our schools. 

As a district priority, we are proactively supporting youth mental health in our communities and this is just one example of the important work being undertaken.

For more information on mental health first aid please visit https://www.mhfa.ca/ and if you have any questions about mental health supports available in your community, please contact your school’s counselor.