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CMP Grant for Mental Health

LeadingAge Iowa received a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) grant to enhance mental health support within long-term care communities (LTC) in wake of the pandemic. The grant approaches mental health support from 2 perspectives: (1) culturally by de-stigmatizing mental illness through Make It OK to encourage residents and staff to talk about mental illness, just as they would a physical condition, and (2) enhanced identification and response by expanding the capacity of on-site professionals who are trained in Mental Health First Aid. The grant covers the Make It OK presentation (1-hour virtual), Mental Health First Aid training (8-hour in-person) for LTC staff, and the cost of Mental Health First Aid Instructor certification and instructor start up materials for those who choose to continue on and pursue that option.

To view the CMP Grant Program Overview for LTC Leaders, click here.

Make It OK: Change Culture, Reduce Stigma. 

It's time to start talking about mental health.  Start Here.

“Make It OK” is a national campaign and part of Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative with focus areas on individuals, communities, and workplaces. The campaign provides resources and curriculum for better understanding mental illness and assists people with communication skills to reduce stigma to support those around us to live their best life. 

“Make It OK” is here to help educate Iowans and get the conversations going. Take the online pledge to stand up to mental illness stigma in Iowa, then start by learning what a mental illness really is. Then, find out what to say and not to say when someone opens up to you.  You can also help others by sharing your own story to help people know they aren’t alone. In the 50-minute virtual presentation you will: 

  • Learn more about the Make It OK campaign. 

  • Better understand what you can do to reduce the stigma through key messages and resources. 

  • Feel more confident in talking openly about mental illness and helping people get the care and support they need. 

Click here to learn more. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification
Identify. Understand. Respond.

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course is an internationally acclaimed and evidence-based, accredited training program that empower and equips caregivers, employers, and families with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support a resident, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health or substance abuse problem or experiencing a crisis such as being suicidal. 

Mental Health First Aid will help with early detection of mental health needs and build capacity of staff to respond and manage those needs including how to communicate effectively with those who need help, how to discern the difference between talking about death and suicidal ideation, and the difference between psychosis, dementia, and delirium. It will also help enhance care related to past trauma, better equipping staff to respond to the trauma-informed care requirements in the requirements of participation.  Additionally, Mental Health First Aid will better equip staff to identify issues and provide specialized services enhancing the quality of care delivered and intended by the PASRR requirements.

MHFA is an 8-hour course offered live, in-person at multiple locations throughout the state starting January 2023 through February 2024.  Seats are limited at each location, so we advise you to complete your registration early.  Click here for more information.

Mental Health First Aid Instructor Training Information

Following the successful completion of Mental Health First Aid training, attendees have the opportunity to become certified as Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructors, a 30–32-hour virtual or in-person course through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. As a part of the CMP Grant for Mental Health, up to 2 eligible individuals from participating LTC communities can receive up to $2,200 for tuition reimbursement back to the organization following successful completion of the course. The instructor certification training requires an application and acceptance by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and then completion of the course for certification. Upon certification, the Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructors will be able to teach the 8-hour Mental Health First Aid course to other staff at their Long-Term Care community. Participation in the instructor training will include a commitment to train additional staff at their community in Mental Health First Aid.  Click here for more information.