Veterans Service Director Advocates for Mental Health First Aid Training Accessibility

In the heart of Mount Vernon, a gathering of community leaders and mental health advocates took place, shedding light on the pressing need for mental health support and resources. The atmosphere buzzed with a shared commitment to address the diverse crises individuals face, emphasizing that what constitutes a crisis can vary greatly from person to person.

A key speaker highlighted the importance of the 988 hotline, likening it to the familiar 911 emergency number. “There is no wrong call to 988,” they stated, encouraging anyone grappling with mental health issues to reach out for help. The message was clear: no one needs to face their struggles alone, and there is always hope.

Andrea Molina, the director of Veterans Service and a proud Marine Corps veteran, took the stage next. She passionately addressed her fellow veterans, urging them to seek help for issues like traumatic brain injuries, anxiety, and depression. Molina emphasized that the Veterans Affairs (VA) office is not the only resource available. In collaboration with organizations like SAMHSA and WJCS, her office offers mental health first aid training. This initiative aims to equip veterans, active duty members, and first responders with the skills to recognize mental health crises and provide immediate support.

“Just like CPR doesn’t make you a surgeon, mental health first aid doesn’t make you a therapist,” Molina explained. “But it gives you the confidence to step in during critical moments.” She underscored the staggering statistic that one in five adults in the U.S. will experience a mental health condition each year, highlighting the silent struggles that often go unnoticed in workplaces, classrooms, and families.

Beth Alter, representing Access Supports for Living, shared information about their urgent care centers in Mount Vernon and New Rochelle. These centers are open to anyone aged five and up, offering support for substance use and mental health challenges without the barriers of legal status or insurance inquiries. “There’s no wrong door,” Alter reassured the audience, emphasizing the accessibility of their services.

As the conference concluded, the collective message resonated: mental health is a community concern, and the more individuals who are trained and aware, the stronger and more connected the community will become. The discussions not only highlighted the resources available but also fostered a sense of unity and hope for those navigating their mental health journeys.