Approxmately 20% of American adults, and 10% of American youth, have experienced a mental health issue. The pandemic, stress, social isolation, fears of re-integration, and other concerns continue to take a toll on clergy, congregants, and communities, highlighting the need for ways to help. We have provided county, state, and national level resources below.

Mental Health First Aid is a program that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This training aims to take the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations and seeks to improve understanding of mental health challenges and related concerns.

It should be noted that this course focuses on depression, suicide prevention, and psychosis. 

In this program you will: 

1) Learn to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges 

2) Know that recovery from mental health is possible 

3) Know to be patient, calm, nonjudgmental, reassuring, and provide "hope with facts" 

4) and so much more 

Faith and Allegiance Initiative

The Faith Allegiance Initiative is woven into the fabric of the Texas Veterans Commission’s Veterans Mental Health Department, is also part of the Austin Mayor’s Challenge to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans and their Families (SMVF) and the state’s Long-term Veterans Suicide Prevention Plan. Discover the implementation strategies to support those who served.