According to the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, as of October 2023, all athletic coaches must complete a mental health training that has been approved by the Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (OhioMHAS).
Kent State University’s Center for Public Policy and Health (Center), Awareness, Interaction, and Direction (A.I.D.) for Coaches training was approved by OhioMHAS to be one of the select few trainings athletic coaches can take to fulfill this new requirement. A.I.D. for Coaches was created to ensure that information about mental health is distributed to coaches in a way that is convenient, comprehensive, and evidence based. The training provides coaches with the knowledge, skills, and resources to actively assist individuals in mental distress. Coaches learn about mental health terminology, statistics, and mental illness stigma, while having the opportunity to learn and practice the A.I.D. action plan in a tailored scenario that reflects what they may experience while coaching students.
A.I.D. for Coaches is a 60-minute training that can be offered live-virtual or in-person. This training is available at no cost to select school districts in Carroll, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas and Wayne Counties in Ohio as part of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants. Outside of the select school districts, the training is offered at $150 for up to 30 people (plus travel, if required).
The Center will be offering their first A.I.D. for Coaches training to the nine counties served by the NEO MHAT grant on January 31st, 2024.
To schedule a training or to learn more about A.I.D. for Coaches, contact Kim Laurene (klaurene@kent.edu).