      Those learning first aid will now also learn how to assist with mental health crises, thanks to a donation that is funding the development of mental health support.
           According to a release from Bell Canada, Bell Let's Talk announced a $150,000 donation to St. John Ambulance that will support the integration of mental health training in standard and emergency first aid courses.
           "Addressing health care needs should include a person's access to mental health support. With the support of Bell Let's Talk, St. John Ambulance is poised to evolve our first aid courses, which are delivered to more than 500,000 Canadians each year, to include a new mental health component," said Philip Clarke, chancellor of St. John Ambulance.
           "We currently offer mental health first aid courses in several provinces stemming from our partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Integrating a mental health module into our standard and emergency first aid courses is the next evolution of our commitment to the mental health of Canadians."
           The integrated module will be available nationally starting in 2018. Courses will be offered in workplaces, hospitals, schools, and communities in both English and French.     Students who take the courses will learn what to do in an emergency, including how to recognize high risk situations and when to escalate quickly to professionals.
           "Having someone nearby who is trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness can make such an important difference for someone experiencing a crisis," said Clara Hughes, national spokesperson for Bell Let’s Talk. "Providing initial help and guiding a person toward appropriate professional resources is just as important for our mental health as for our physical well being."
           "This partnership with St. John Ambulance demonstrates that mental health is integral to an individual's overall health and that it is important for everyone to learn to be mental health first aiders and recognize when someone who may be struggling needs help," said Mary Deacon, chair of Bell Let's Talk.
           Bell Let's Talk Day 2017 was held January 25 and involved a donation from Bell of five cents to Canadian mental health programs for every text message, mobile call and long distance call made by Bell customers; every tweet and Instagram post using #BellLetsTalk; every view of the Bell Let's Talk Day video on Facebook; and every use of the Bell Let's Talk geofilter on Snapchat.
           Bell's donations are made at no extra charge to Bell Let's Talk Day participants, though normal long distance or text charges, if any, apply. Last year’s event set new records for engagement with 125.9 million messages of support, allowing Bell to increase funding for Canadian mental health by $6,295,764.75.
           Bell Let's Talk promotes Canadian mental health through national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns, like Bell Let's Talk Day, and through funding for community care and access, research, and workplace initiatives. Those who wish to learn more may visit Bell Canada’s website.
           St. John Ambulance is an international humanitarian organization and is a foundation of the Order of St. John. As Canada's standard for excellence in first aid and CPR services, St. John Ambulance offers programs to ensure Canadians receive quality training. Revenue generated from first aid and CPR training courses supports St. John Ambulance's charitable work.
