Mental illness and substance use disorders are significant issues in the world today. One in Five Americans has a mental illness or substance use disorder. The pandemic has caused many people to experience depression and anxiety while trying to cope with social isolation, death, illness, and feelings of uncertainty and powerlessness. And to help create a more fair and equitable world, many people now see the importance of developing community-based responses to mental health crises and reactions to substances.
Through partnerships with organizations around the nation and the efforts of thousands of certified instructors mental health first aid courses are easily accessible to interested community members who want to empower themselves and others to help and support friends, family, and neighbors who are struggling. These courses are open to the general public and may be especially relevant to health and human services workers, social workers, first responders, law enforcement officers, public safety officials, members of the military, and those who work with veterans and others who serve vulnerable and/or marginalized members of the community.
A mental health first aid course will teach participants to recognize the signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders and some positive and powerful ways to engage and support a person who may need help as well as how to guide them to resources for ongoing support and care. Trainees learn through interactive activities like role-playing, discussions, videos, and simulations. By increasing awareness and giving community members the tools to aid others these courses can help to save lives.
