What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid(MHFA) is an internationally-recognized course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Why does Mental Health First Aid Matter?

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 911. 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 coworker might be showing signs of alcohol use disorder.

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

When more people are equipped with the tools to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders are a vital link, connecting those experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge with appropriate support. 

How long is the training? When and where will trainings take place?

Mental Health First Aid can be offered in-person or in a hybrid format. The training generally takes about 1 full day to complete, but can be divided up into smaller segments if needed.  Refreshments will be provided for participants. Training dates and locations will be determined based on community member interest. If you are interested in taking part in the training series, please fill out an interest survey.

Who is providing the training? 

The training series will be provided in partnership with certified MHFA instructors from the Naomi Ruth Cohen Institute for Mental Health Education at the Chicago School, and their partners from other mental health organizations. All instructors are certified and experienced trainers. 

Does it cost anything to receive the training?

No! This training series will be offered to the community for free, because it was a winning project in Evanston’s Participatory Budgeting Process. The concept for this training was created by community members, and received 3400 supporting votes from the Evanston community.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the course? 

Yes, you will receive documentation of your certification after completing the course. 

I have more questions! Who Can I Contact?

Please reach out to Kristin at kmeyer@cityofevanston.org.

If you are interested in participating in MHFA training, please fill out an interest form.