HB 1538

Abstract

Creates the Illinois Mental Health First Aid Training Act. Provides that the Department of Human Services shall establish and administer the Illinois Mental Health First Aid training program so that certified trainers can provide Illinois residents, professionals, and members of the public with training on how to identify and assist someone who is believed to be developing or has developed a mental health disorder or an alcohol or substance abuse disorder or who is believed to be experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. Provides that subject to appropriations made to, or with the use of appropriations directed by, the Department of Human Services and other State agencies, the Department and other State agencies shall support training grants for Illinois Mental Health First Aid training. Provides that these training grants may support hardship subsidies for Illinois Mental Health First Aid training fees. Provides that the Illinois Mental Health First Aid training program shall be designed to train individuals to accomplish certain objectives including (i) building mental health, alcohol abuse, and substance abuse literacy designed to help the public identify, understand, and respond to the signs of mental illness, alcohol abuse, and substance abuse and (ii) knowing how to prevent a mental health disorder or an alcohol or substance abuse disorder from deteriorating into a more serious condition which may lead to more costly interventions and treatments. Contains provisions concerning the distribution of training grants and other matters. Effective immediately.