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Kent ISD safety professionals take part in mental health first aid training

Kent Intermediate School District employees take part in mental health first aid training
David Limbaugh
Kent Intermediate School District employees take part in mental health first aid training

Hope Network is training school staff on how to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in youth

As mental health disorders in youth continue to rise, such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, Hope Network, a Michigan-based non-profit organization that provides healthcare and life services, is training Kent Intermediate School District staff on how to recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges within youth, and ways to de-escalate and respond to a youth in crisis.

“Around 1 in 5 young people will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.”

Floyd Booker is Hope Network’s Director of Learning and Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“And we also know that suicide rates are increasing and so what we are trying to do is develop a series of gatekeepers within the community to help support young people when they’re in a crisis to help save lives.”

Hope Network’s training is evidence-based. Statistics show that 44% of teens report feeling persistently sad and hopeless, and that 50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20s. But it’s not just about the youth.

“The people that are working with the students also have to learn how to take care of themselves, so self-care is essential as well.”

Director of Safety and Security for Kent ISD Sean Burns says many individuals who enter the school security field are retired law enforcement.

“It’s a shift from what they did as police officers or corrections officers or security officers when you’re dealing with kids in schools.”

Burns says this training helps make that transition much more seamless.

Dave joined WGVU Public Media in November of 2023 after eighteen years as a Michigan Association of Broadcasters Emmy-nominated photojournalist and editor at Grand Rapids' WOOD TV8 and three years at WEYI TV25 in Flint, Michigan. As a General Assignment Reporter, Dave covers daily news and community events all over West Michigan.
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