🌟Thank you to Smith School faculty members Mrs. Jaclyn O’Callaghan and Mr. Cesar Blacido for sharing their Mental Health First Aid expertise during February’s Board of Education discussion retreat.
Why it matters: Mrs. O’Callaghan and Mr. Blacido are certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainers who equip staff with the skills and knowledge to assist others experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.
The big picture:
Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link between a person experiencing a challenge and appropriate professional support.
They learn to listen non-judgmentally, provide reassurance and information, and encourage appropriate support.
What’s next: Staff across all five schools will continue to receive training from our in-district certified trainers.