Advocating for mental health

South Texas College and Tropical Texas Behavioral Health recently partnered to host a series of Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings, providing community members with essential skills to support individuals in mental health crises.

Attended by nearly 50 participants from different fields such as public safety, health care and education, the training certified them as Mental Health First Aiders, who are trained to recognize signs of distress, offer initial support and connect people with the necessary resources for further care.

“The goal is to certify individuals as a bridge between those struggling with mental health and the professional resources they need, creating a network of community members supporting one another,” explained Antony Beltran, Regional Veteran Services coordinator at Tropical Texas Behavioral Health. “It’s a full day of crucial discussions on how to approach individuals with varying needs, including those with disabilities or mental health disorders.”

He added the class is offered several times a year at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence in Pharr, and open to all members of the community.

“The more knowledge we have about mental health, the better. Law enforcement, in particular, needs to be prepared to handle these situations, knowing how to deescalate situations and advise on the best course of action,” said Ricardo Bernal, Mental Health officer at the McAllen Independent School District (McAllen ISD) Police Department. “Working with children and young adults, we encounter a wide range of situations. It’s a large community that includes not just students, but also parents, teachers and staff. Having the right tools to address issues like depression and suicidal thoughts is crucial.”

The class was also attended by members of the Alton, Pharr and La Joya Fire Departments, the Palmview and Alamo Police Departments, as well as representatives from Vanguard Academy and faculty, staff and students from STC.

“We’re currently taking a class that focuses on how to implement therapy for individuals facing mental health challenges, so this training aligns perfectly with what we’re seeing in the program,” said STC Occupational Therapy Assistant student Viviana Cardona. “We don’t see our patients through the lens of their disabilities or disorders. Instead, we focus on who they are as people, their interests, hobbies and what makes them unique, and we build interventions around those aspects. Being mindful of their mental health is an essential skill that helps us provide more effective treatment.”

STC student Daniel Gonzalez echoed this sentiment, noting that many individuals they work with have experienced trauma or disorders, emphasizing that mental health is crucial to recovery and compassion is key to effective therapy.

“Sometimes, people who are struggling don’t want to open up, but one important lesson I’ve learned is the value of being direct, especially when it comes to suicide risk. We need to ask the tough questions in order to offer the right help,” he said. “I have also seen the impact firsthand when my aunt went through an accident that took away her mobility and independence. As I took her to therapy, I witnessed the positive changes it made in her life. Maintaining her mental health was a key part of her recovery.”

The full-day training, which includes role-play exercises, group activities and discussions, provides a certification that is valid for three years and will be offered again next year.

“We believe in breaking stereotypes to help people become more conscious and compassionate toward those suffering from mental health issues,” added Beltran. “We’re grateful for our ongoing collaboration with STC and for the opportunity to offer this class, which is making a difference and helping to build a stronger community.”

For more information on Public Safety training or programs at STC, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4203.