FL H0811

Department of Education shall establish a mental health first aid training program to help the public identify signs of mental illness and substance use disorders and develop intervention skills.

Department must use competitive procurement to select a statewide mental health or substance abuse association to develop, implement, and manage the program.

Training program shall cover mental illness overview, risk factors and warning signs (including depression, anxiety, psychosis, eating disorders, and self-injury), and action plans for assessment and intervention.

All instructors must have current certification by a national authority on mental health first aid programs; contractor shall prioritize training for educational institution staff and first responders.

Department must report implementation and effectiveness to Governor and Legislature by February 1, 2018; program expires June 30, 2018; $300,000 appropriated from Federal Grants Trust Fund for fiscal year 2015-2016.