Why Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training?

• Did you know . . . with 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health condition in any given year, you are more likely to encounter a person in an emotional or mental health crisis than someone having a heart attack?

What is Mental Health First Aid?

• Mental Health First Aid is a nationally-recognized, 12-hour class that teaches a 5-step action plan for recognizing when an individual is developing a mental health condition or experiencing a crisis.  It provides the know-how and the confidence to offer immediate comfort, and to connect the person in need with appropriate professional care, helpful information, peer support, and/or self-help strategies.

Who is MHFA training for?

• Anyone can offer Mental Health First Aid -  family members, students, teachers, employers, human resources professionals, clergy and faith community leaders, bus drivers, librarians, grocery store cashiers, front-desk receptionists – any caring citizen who interfaces with the public.

Is there a charge?

• The current $55 fee for individual participants covers 12 hours of expert team instruction, a textbook, supplemental materials, local community resources, and a certificate as a Mental Health First Aider valid for three years. (Check with us regarding individuals needing scholarships, or agencies wishing to train their entire staff but lacking professional development funds.)

When is the next MHFA?

• Mental Health America of the Central Valley has ongoing classes.  To find out when the next class is being offered, call 559-253-2204 or email us at info@mha-cv.org.