The Importance of Building a 'Mental Health First Aid Kit'
Physicians on the front lines will at times encounter patients with mental health issues, and mental health services
may not be immediately available. That’s why ISMS is encouraging all physicians and medical students to be prepared by training in mental health crisis intervention, including substance use issues, through programs such as the
Mental Health First Aid skills initiative and/or through clinical training.
Such training helps physicians increase their awareness about signs that may indicate mental health or substance abuse issues, and provides information on how to guide these patients to appropriate and effective sources of care. Mental health first aid training is not a substitute for formal
clinical training, but it can provide basic tools to help all physicians direct patients to the mental healthcare they need.
ISMS is planning to host a webinar on the topic of mental health crisis intervention later this year. Watch for more information as soon as the webinar details are finalized.
ISMS support for this training is based on an idea from a group of student members. Read
Resolution 01.2020-28 (A-20).
Do you have an idea you’d like to share with us?
We are accepting and reviewing resolutions year-round. Resolutions cover a range of topic areas such as medical practice, public health, medical education and many other areas that intersect with medicine. View our
Guide to Developing Resolutions or
contact us is you have questions about the process.
Our next resolution deadline is Sept. 25.
Resolutions must be submitted by that date for consideration at the next
quarterly ISMS Board meeting.