County Recognized with Achievement Award for Mental Health First Aid

Press release from Alachua County

Alachua County has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. The Achievement Award is for the County’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Program.

The MHFA program was approved as mandatory training for all County employees by the County Commission in January 2016 and has trained 2,126 employees (including 1,131 County staff, 867 staff from the Constitutional and Judicial Officers’ organizations, 67 staff from the municipalities, and 61 staff from charitable agencies and other agencies).

The training curriculum of MHFA is an evidence-based strategy to assist lay people, including front line employees, in identifying mental health issues among citizens when presented and then respond with a five-step action plan.

NACo President Mary Ann Borgeson said, “We are seeing firsthand now more than ever that counties work tirelessly to support our residents. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs showcase how counties build healthy, safe, and vibrant communities across America.”