More than 300 Lake County Schools bus drivers and transportation aides will receive training on how “to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth.
The course is called Youth Mental Health First Aid, and the concept is similar to physical first aid. It will prepare participants to provide immediate assistance to students in an emergency and then help them get the appropriate professional care.
The six-hour course will cover common signs and symptoms of mental illness among children and adolescents, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and substance abuse. Participants will also learn how to assess for risk of suicide or harm, listen nonjudgmentally, give reassurance and information, encourage appropriate professional help and encourage self-help and other support strategies.
“Now, more than ever, it is important for us to build a community of adults in our school system who understand mental health and know-how and where to refer students for help when needed,” said Kristine Landry, Ph.D., the district’s director of Student Services. “Our bus drivers and aides are a critical part of this community.”
This training day is part of a three-year plan to bring mental health awareness to all employees in the school district.
Six teams will deliver the training twice on April 2 at Tavares High School, Mount Dora High School, Leesburg High School, East Ridge Middle School, Carver Middle School and the Lake County Agriculture Center in Tavares.
