Nassau County, FL: Mary Kelley Lancaster, a Mental Health First Aid instructor based in Nassau County, FL, has been honored with a prestigious award from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Recognized for her outstanding commitment to mental health education, Lancaster has been awarded for "teaching the most First Aiders as a new Instructor" in 2023.
Mental Health First Aid is a crucial program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to provide initial support to those struggling with mental health challenges. Those who become certified in the training module are nationally known as “First Aiders.”
Mental Health First Aid is a key component of the Talkable Communities partnership project which aims to create happier and healthier communities in Northeast Florida by connecting people to free mental wellness education.
In 2023 alone, the Talkable Communities' program successfully trained over 2,800 individuals in Mental Health First Aid, Question. Persuade. Refer. and It’s Time to Talk about it! Lancaster's dedication and commitment played a pivotal role in achieving this remarkable milestone.
In response to receiving this esteemed accolade, Mary Kelley Lancaster expressed her gratitude, stating, "I am deeply honored to receive this award from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Mental health education is a shared responsibility. Just as we are instructed in physical first aid, it is imperative that we also acquire the skills to address emotional distress and provide support during challenging times. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the cultivation of resilient and supportive communities.”
For more information about Mary Kelley Lancaster's work and Mental Health First Aid programs in Nassau County, FL, please visit www.talkablecommunities.org.
About Talkable Communities
Funded by Florida Blue Foundation and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Talkable Communities (TC) is a collaboration of five behavioral health organizations: Child Guidance Center, Clay Behavioral Health Center, EPIC Behavioral Healthcare, Gateway – Steps to Recovery, and Starting Point Behavioral Healthcare. Talkable Communities aims to create happier and healthier communities in Northeast Florida by connecting people to free mental wellness education.
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