Mental Health First Aid
Similar to First Aid and CPR for medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trains participants to identify and respond with a 5-step action plan to potential mental illness or substance use disorders until appropriate professional help can arrive.
About MHFA
Similar to First Aid and CPR for medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trains participants to identify and respond with a 5-step action plan to potential mental illness or substance use disorders until appropriate professional help can arrive.
Training participants to recognize risk factors and warning signs through experiential activities can minimize the impact of mental health challenges on our communities.
Youth MHFA
Youth MHFA is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help a young person who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. It is primarily designed for adult participants who regularly interact with young people, and participants must be 18 years or older to take the course. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Topics covered include: anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, suicide, self-harm eating disorders and more.
Adult MHFA
Adult MHFA is a public education program designed for anyone who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Mental Health First Aid gives participants practical skills in risk assessment, referral to services, de-escalation, and having conversations about mental health and substance use. Course participants come from a variety of backgrounds and play various roles in their community. Anyone can attend MHFA training as long as they are 18 or older.
Topics covered include: depression, suicide, anxiety, panic attacks, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, eating disorders, self-harm, and more.
Earn Your Certification
Completion of each 8-hour course earns participants Mental Health First Aider certification (valid for three years) through the National Council on Mental Wellbeing. Certification is ideal for professionals such as educators, social service providers, organizations dealing directly with the public, and community members interested in learning more.
Upcoming Community Courses
To keep up with upcoming MHFA events, click here
Currently, we have no upcoming on-site courses open to the public.
To schedule a MHFA course for your organization or community group, contact Maddie Adkins at maddie_adkins@mbhci.org, or call the Prevention Office at 352-374-5600 ex. 8652.
Narcan Prevention
Narcan nasal spray became FDA-approved on March 29, 2023, as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine without the need for a prescription. Narcan (naloxone) nasal spray is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat an opioid overdose emergency, by rapidly reversing the opioid’s effects. Narcan should be given as soon as possible when an opioid overdose is suspected, and then the patient should also receive emergency medical care immediately, even if they wake up.
Find Naloxone – I Save Florida
To schedule a Narcan training or pick up, contact Maddie Adkins at 352-374-5600 ex. 8652 or maddie_adkins@mbhci.org.
Contact
Email Madeline Adkins at maddie_adkins@mbhci.org to schedule Mental Health First Aid training for your team today.