What is Mental Health First Aid? Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions and provide initial help; and connect persons to professional, peer and social supports as well as self-help resources.

Participants Learn:

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

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

• A 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to assess the situation, to select and implement appropriate interventions, and to help the individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional care

• The evidence-based professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem,

To learn more, inquire about class availability, or to request a class for your worksite or neighborhood, email Info.DOHCollier@flhealth.gov. Include the subject line: Mental Health First Aid.