87R15945 BK-D
By: Murr H.R. No. 464
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is a public
education course designed to teach youth in grades 10 through 12 how
to respond when one of their peers is experiencing mental or
emotional health issues; and
WHEREAS, The development of the course was based on the
finding that teenagers in crisis are more likely to turn to their
peers for help; led by adult instructors, the 270-minute course
informs participants about different types of mental health
challenges and crisis situations and provides them with an action
plan in case someone they know needs support; Teen Mental Health
First Aid was adapted from the Mental Health First Aid program, a
training initiative funded by Texas Health and Human Services; and
WHEREAS, Instead of focusing on specific illnesses,
participants in the course are taught to identify patterns of
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are associated with mental
health challenges; teens are also encouraged to seek the assistance
of a trusted adult when necessary; according to a study conducted by
Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, after
completing the course, 35 percent more teenagers reported feeling
comfortable asking a friend if they are thinking about suicide and
taking action to help a friend in need; and
WHEREAS, Knowing how to reach out to someone in crisis can be
difficult, but it can make all the difference in that person's life,
and the Teen Mental Health First Aid program has earned
well-deserved praise for offering effective, evidence-based
solutions to an issue of urgent concern; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the Teen Mental Health First Aid
program and commend all those involved with this important
initiative for their efforts; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the program as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.