ABOUT MHFA
What is Mental Health First Aid?
Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Mental Health First Aiders are…
Teachers, first responders and veterans. They’re neighbors, parents and friends. They’re people in recovery, and those supporting a loved one They’re First Ladies and Mayors. Mental Health First Aiders are anyone who wants to make their community healthier, happier and safer for all.

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help.

Topics Covered

Depression and mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Trauma
Psychosis
Substance Use disorders
Mental Health First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency – the belief that individuals experiencing these challenges can and do get better, and use their strengths to stay well.

The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
A= Assess for risk of suicide or harm
L= Listen nonjudgmentally
G= Give reassurance and Information
E= Encourage appropriate professional help
E= Encourage self-help and other support strategies
ALGEE, the Mental Health First Aid mascot
ALGEE, the Mental Health First Aid mascot, and mnemonic for the 5-step action plan

Interventions Learned
When you take a course, you learn how to apply the Mental Health First Aid action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing:

Panic attacks
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Nonsuicidal self-injury
Acute psychosis (e.g., hallucinations or delusions)
Overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use
Reaction to a traumatic event
The opportunity to practice — through role plays, scenarios, and activities — makes it easier to apply these skills in a real-life situation.

Mental Health First Aid. (8 HOURS) CARC/CRPA