SERVING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES LIVING WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS IN MIDDLESEX COUNTY SINCE 1968
Mental Health First Aid Certification
In response to our nation’s mental health crisis, Gilead is bringing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to our community.
What is MHFA? This groundbreaking skills-based course gives people the tools to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge — and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary.
Why do I need to be certified? One in five Americans has a mental illness, and the pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive care until it is too late.
Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.
What is the time commitment? MHFA certification training is an 8-hour course. You can choose between one 8-hour session or two 4-hour sessions. Check back soon for a schedule and a registration link.
How much does it cost? Thanks to a generous grant from The Cigna Group Foundation, Gilead is offering free MHFA training courses to individuals and organizations in our community.
Can you come to my organization to train staff? Yes! Click here for details on becoming a partner.
Contact us for more information!
Mental Health First Aid has become a full-blown movement in the United States — more than 2.5 million people are certified Mental Health First Aiders, and that number is growing every day.
Never has it been more important for our communities to talk about mental health and substance use, This program is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one another. Without mental health, there is no health.
I absolutely loved the course and I think everyone else did too! Dan was so engaging and informative I could listen to him lecture all day! The information that was provided will come into use more than we could imagine!