Know the facts:
LGBTQ+ youth in Maine are more likely to experience bullying and struggle with self-harm behaviors.
LGBTQ+ individuals experience more barriers to accessing healthcare, often due to lack of insurance and discrimination.
Studies show that members of the LGBTQ+ community are more likely to experience traumatic events such as hate crimes or family rejection, which can have a lasting impact on their mental health. What’s more, discrimination, harassment, and social rejection can lead to feelings of shame, anxiety, and depression. That is why, this PRIDE Month, Northern Light Acadia Hospital is pleased to partner with Maine Discovery Museum to present a free, open-to-the-community mental health training, Psychological First Aid.
Psychological First Aid, made possible through a generous grant by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support someone experiencing a mental health and/or substance use challenge. PFA has been used by the American Red Cross, first responders and law enforcement nationwide to train staff on how to respond to a traumatic experience and Acadia is pleased to offer it to our communities free of charge.
The PRIDE Month PFA training will be hosted by Maine Discovery Museum, 74 Main St. in Bangor, on Wednesday, June 25. It begins at 3 p.m. and refreshments will be provided.
To learn more and register, or to schedule a customized training at a business or organization anywhere in Maine, visit northernlighthealth.org/PFA.