(Buffalo, NY) – Compeer of Greater Buffalo, the only organization in Western New York dedicated to recovery through the healing power of friendship, received a Spotlight on Population Health (SOPHi) Award from P2 Collaborative of Western New York. In the category of promoting mental health, Compeer and its partner organizations, the Mental Health Association of Erie County, Jewish Family Service and Erie Community College, were honored for stigma-reducing advocacy and education through the Mental Health First Aid program.
“The Mental Health First Aid program is truly a collaborative effort between a dedicated team of partner organizations that collaborate each day to bring this much needed training to the community,” stated Timothy Boling, Executive Director, Compeer Inc. “Since we began delivering the program in April 2014, we have offered 87 trainings for 1383 Mental Health First Aiders.”
Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training provides the skills needed to provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
Mental Health First Aid is an international evidence-based program: In the United States, more than 700,000 people have been trained in by a dedicated base of more than 10,000 instructors across the country.
To learn more about Mental Health First Aid Training, please contact Karl Shallowhorn at 716-465-6508 or via email karlmhacompeer@gmail.com.
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ABOUT COMPEER
Compeer’s mission is to use the power of volunteer friends and mentors to improve the lives of children, adults, seniors, and veterans who are striving for good mental health and optimum quality of life. Founded in 1985, Compeer is an evidence-based mental health program serving hundreds of people in Erie County annually. Compeer Buffalo receives funding from the Erie County Department of Mental Health, and The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County, as well as many local foundations.