Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid Matters

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of a substance use disorder.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders can even save lives.

(From the Mental Health First Aid Website)

Course Information

Each seat is paid for by the university and consists of pre-training, participant manuals and processing guides, and a 3-year certification.

MHFA training sessions have limited seats and this opportunity is in high demand. Please keep in mind that if you are unable to commit to the requirements below, then a seat is taken away from someone who could have participated and utilized this resource as replacing participants is not possible close to the training date.

• Complete the pre-work at least 2 days prior to the instructor-led session (takes up to 2 hours)
• Attend the entirety of the instructor-led online session with your camera on (with exception of technical restrictions)

If you would like to schedule a separate training for your department or group (up to 20 at a time) please email hokiewellness@vt.edu. Registration closes 5 days prior to the training.