Sunny Naughton, the Regional Prevention Partnerships Grant Coordinator at Northeast Kingdom Learning Services, has been named the top Mental Health First Aid trainer in Vermont. The honor was shared with her frequent training partner, Lance Metayer.
The National Council of Behavioral Health awards the recognition based on the number of trainings conducted, attendees reached, and evaluations received. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based course that teaches participants to identify and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use, similar to CPR but for mental health crises.
Naughton has trained over 400 community members across northern Vermont in just two years, hosting more than 30 sessions for groups including educators, human services workers, security personnel, and college resident advisors. She is certified in both Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid.
“I feel that everyone should take this training,” Naughton said. “While much of the information is likely already something someone is accustomed to, having the chance to see it laid out in a way that can allow us to think differently about how we interact with one another on a daily basis can be life-changing.”
Becoming a trainer requires 40 hours of instruction, written tests, and a practice presentation. In Vermont, the program is offered through partnerships with NEKLS, Northern Vermont Regional Hospital, Northeast Kingdom Human Services, and Vermont Care Partners. Trainings are free and can accommodate 10 to 30 participants.
Originally reported by The Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Marcel Strauß via Unsplash. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
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