CHALLENGE

Mental Health First Aid is an essential course designed to teach participants how to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges. It equips individuals with practical skills rooted in evidence-based practices. 

Participants learn to offer initial assistance and guide individuals towards appropriate care. Key topics include providing support through non-judgmental listening, providing reassurance, assessing for crisis situations, identifying self-care and support strategies as well as appropriate professional support for individuals showing symptoms of a mental health concern or crisis. 

APPROACH

Tousha Paxton-Barnes, a U.S. Army Veteran and advocate for Mental Health First Aid, emphasizes its impact: “Mental Health First Aid helps people connect to care and move towards a better place.” This reflects the program’s commitment to empowering individuals and communities through improved access to mental health support. Alyssa Fruchtenicht, a School-Based Mental Health Counselor, highlights its significance in schools: “When a teacher asks ‘how can I be helpful,’ that is a powerful question.” 

OUTCOME

Mental Health First Aid continues to empower participants with practical skills and compassionate responses, promoting resilience and enhancing mental well-being across diverse communities.