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 Make It OK Ambassador training (2-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.

CMP Grant Program Overview for LTC Leaders: Enhancing Mental Health Support in the Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic
As we approach the start of the training sessions covered by the grant, please join LeadingAge Iowa and training partner, Abbe Center for Community Mental Health, to understand the grant’s opportunities and expectations for participating LTC providers.  The CMP Grant Program Overview for LTC Leaders session is scheduled on June 1, 2023 from 8:30-9:30 a.m.  Click here for more information.

Make It OK Ambassador Training: 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.

The “Make It OK” ambassador training will prepare long-term care providers to make cultural change within their community to de-stigmatize mental illness and “Make It OK” for residents, families, and staff to talk about mental health, seek treatment, and/or get the necessary help.  There are 24 live,  virtual sessions scheduled starting December 2022 through February 2024.  Click here for more information.

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.