A significant step in the launch of the Mental Health Facilitator (MHF) program, a key NBCC International project, was taken on the week of 24-29 September 2007. The pilot of the MHF training, which was coordinated with the support of the NBCC-Mexico field office staff was held at Universidad Iberoamericana, in Mexico City.

More than 30 community workers, mental health practitioners, and program administrators participated in the pilot and provided feedback to Dr. Scott Hinkle, Dr. Donna Henderson and their MHF curriculum development team. Based upon the feedback, the core MHF training curriculum will be modified to better fit the mission of the program .

The MHF program was developed in collaboration with the World Health Organizatin to expand access to mental health care. MHF certificants will receive basic training in recognition of individuals with mental health problems and proper referral to available professionals in the community.

Training classes are expected to start in early 2008, with Malawi and Malaysia already identified as likely sites for the first "training of trainers" programs.

 
Community workers, mental health practitioners, & program administrators participated in the training pilot