Virginia Gov. Northam Announces Two Virginia Schools to Participate in Teen Mental Health First Aid Program
Teen MHFA is an in-person training designed for high school students to learn about mental illnesses and addictions, and help them identify and respond to friends who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem. Similar to CPR, students learn a five-step action plan to help their friends who may be facing a mental health problem or crisis, such as suicide.
“As a physician and as governor, I am deeply concerned about the rising prevalence of mental health and substance use issues affecting teens in our Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “It is my hope that is training program will encourage Virginia students to take action when they spot early signs of a problem, and empower them to support a friend who may be in distress or struggling with depression or addiction, so they can get the help and treatment they need.”