A. Contingent upon funding, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall develop and implement a mental health first aid pilot program. The purpose of the mental health first aid pilot program shall be to train non-mental-health professionals in how to support an individual in a mental health crisis situation until professional help can be obtained.

B. The Department shall adopt a curriculum which, at a minimum, shall include training for individuals on the symptoms, causes and evidence-based treatments for common mental health problems, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and substance abuse disorders. The curriculum shall also address possible crisis situations arising from these mental health problems and steps to support an individual in a crisis situation.

C. The Department shall issue a certificate in mental health first aid to individuals who complete the course of training. The Department shall establish criteria for certification.

D. The Department is authorized to enter into a contract to implement the provisions of this section.

E. On or before December 31, 2009, and annually thereafter, the Department shall submit a report to the Legislature stating the number of participants in the program, the number of individuals who received a certificate in the program, and any recommendations for improvement of the program.

F. The Board of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services shall promulgate rules as necessary to implement the provisions of this section.

Added by Laws 2008, c. 306, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2008.