Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program that  helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Mental Health First Aid is offered in the form of an interactive 12-hour course that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Those who take the 12-hour course to certify as Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

The 12-hour Mental Health First Aid course has benefited a variety of audiences and key professions, including hospitals, employers and business leaders, faith communities, school personnel, state police and corrections staff, nursing homes, mental health authorities, state policymakers, young people, families and the general public.

Please contact Sheryl Sprague, Prevention Manager/MHFA Trainer, to find out more about Mental Health First Aid training opportunities at sspragu@rushford.org or 203-630-5357.

Understanding Depression
Understanding Anxiety Disorders
Understanding Psychosis
Understanding Substance Abuse Disorders