Mental Health Resources

Mental Health First Aid

People who enroll in Mental Health First Aid courses learn a 5-step action plan to help loved ones, colleagues, neighbors and others cope with mental health or substance use problems. Similar to traditional First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid is help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis resolves.

Trainees go through a training program that teaches them a 5-step action plan to 1) assess a situation, 2) select and implement appropriate interventions, and 3) secure appropriate care for an individual experiencing a mental health or substance use problem. Trainees also learn risk factors and warning signs of mental illness and addiction and about available treatments. Upon completion, participants better understand the impact mental illnesses and addictions have on a person, their family and communities. Trainees are from all walks of life and include school personnel, law enforcement, faith-based communities, hospital and nursing home staff, families and young people.