MentalHealthFirstAid_Logo_wR_HORIZ-580x220.gifMental Health First Aid Training

One in four Americans lives with a mental health problem each year. Yet, far too many – up to two-thirds – go without treatment. Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Background
In 2001, Mental Health First Aid was created by Professor Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor, and Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education at the University of Melbourne. Five published studies in Australia show that the program saves lives; improves the mental health of the individual administering care and the one receiving it; expands knowledge of mental illnesses and their treatments; increases services provided; and reduces overall stigma by improving mental health “literacy.”

In order to increase public understanding of these disorders and improve treatment for those affected by them, the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare piloted Mental Health First Aid in the United States starting in 2008. The program has also been replicated in the England, Scotland, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland and Singapore.

About the Course
The Mental Health First Aid Program is an interactive session which runs eight hours. Mental Health First Aid certification must be renewed every three years, and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and overviews common treatments.

Specifically, participants learn:

  • The potential risk facts and warning signs for a range of mental health problems including: Depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury

  • A five-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to assess a situation, select and implement appropriate interventions and help the individual in crisis connect with the appropriate professional care

  • An understanding of the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in the community

  • The appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health issue

Who should become a Mental Health First Aider?
Specific audiences for each training vary, but include hospitals and federally qualified health centers, state policymakers, employers and chambers of commerce, faith communities, school personnel, state police and corrections staff, nursing home staff, mental health authorized support staff, young people, families and the general public.


Mental Health First Aid Training Courses

  • Free
    Saturday, Nov 02, 2024, 10:30AM - 4:30PM

    Webinar: My Avenging Angel Workshop

    This workshop is for women who have been abused by domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, emotional abuse or [...]

    Hartford Hospital

    Registration is closed for this date - Click title to check other dates

  • Free
    Tuesday, Nov 05, 2024, 11:00AM - 12:00PM

    On Site: Breastfeeding Support Group

    Join other new parents for a weekly, in-person breastfeeding support group! Ask questions and get advice from an International Board [...]

    Lactation Center, 6th Floor
  • Free
    Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024, 11:00AM - 12:00PM

    On Site: Postpartum Support Group

    Join us for a free, weekly postpartum support group to connect with other new parents! The group will be led by childbirth and postpartum [...]

    Hartford Hospital Wellness Center at Blue Back Square
  • Free
    Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024, 1:00PM - 3:00PM

    Webinar: Understanding Deep Brain Stimulation and MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

    In this FREE virtual info session, join Katherine Baich-Colon, RN, BSN, Neurosurgery Nurse Navigator to learn about DBS as a treatment [...]

    Hartford Hospital
  • Free
    Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024, 2:00PM - 4:00PM

    Webinar: Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention

    Join us for a free webinar to become a certified QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Gatekeeper for suicide prevention and be able to help [...]

    Hartford Hospital
  • Free
    Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024, 4:30PM - 6:00PM

    Webinar: Surgical Weight Loss Information Session for Hartford Hospital

    In this FREE webinar, join Dr. Darren Tishler, Dr. Pavlos Papasavas and Dr. Edward Hannoush to learn about the process to get surgical [...]

    Hartford Hospital
  • $10.00
    Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024, 6:00PM - 7:30PM

    On Site: Pregnancy Orientation

    Congratulations on your pregnancy! Our Pregnancy Orientation class is designed to guide you through this exciting journey and to answer all [...]

    Hartford Hospital Wellness Center at Blue Back Square
  • Free
    Wednesday, Nov 06, 2024, 6:30PM - 9:00PM

    Webinar: Zentangle

    Zentangle is a method of creating abstract art through structured patterns. Like yoga and meditation, the relaxed focus of Zentangle [...]

    Online Webinar
  • $100.00
    Saturday, Nov 09, 2024, 9:00AM - 3:00PM

    On Site: Birth, Baby and Beyond

    This class is for expecting parents who are short on time but still want to feel prepared for childbirth and beyond! This "boot camp" style [...]

    Hartford HealthCare
  • Free
    Saturday, Nov 09, 2024, 9:00AM - 1:30PM

    Guía de Maternidad y clase de parto en español - UN DÍA

    ¡Prepárese para el viaje del parto con nuestra clase dirigida en español seguida de un recorrido del piso de maternidad! Esta sesión cubre [...]

    Hartford Hospital - Women's Ambulatory Health Services