MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

why it matters

Less than 1% of Summit County residents are Mental Health First Aiders
About 3 Summit County residents a day visit ERs daily for intentional drug poisoning - suicide data brief 0426.indd
5 Ohioans die by suicide daily
50% of people who experience a substance use disorder during their lives will also have a mental health disorder and vice versa. In 2020, 17 million U.S. Adults had co-occurring mental health disorder and substance abuse disorder.

take action

Equip yourself to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.

Bring MHFA to your organization, church, or school

Let’s build a mentally stronger Greater Akron—together. Interested in getting Mental Health First Aid for your Organization, Church, School, or just want to learn more. Click below to reach out to a trained Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDER!

First name

Last name

Phone

I am interested in the following trainings:

Adult MHFA - A training to equip adults with the skills to support other adults in their mental health journeys.

Youth MHFA - A training for adults to support and understand the unique needs of youth ages 11-17.

Teen MHFA - A training to empower teens in grades 9-12 to support their friends and classmates.

Thank you for your interest in Mental Health First Aid! Trainings need at least 5 participants and can host up to 30. Once enough people sign up for Teen, Youth, or Adult MHFA, we’ll schedule a class. If you’d like to host a training at your organization, please include your workplace info in the notes and we will follow up.

If interested in hosting a class at your organization, please provide your organizations information.

prayer

Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health Ask God to remove shame and fear surrounding mental illness and open hearts to honest conversations.

Youth Mental Health Pray for young people to have access to safe mentors, resources, and emotional tools to navigate life well.

Mentally Healthy Community Pray for a community where people feel seen, heard, and supported in their emotional and spiritual struggles. Ask God to cultivate empathy, reduce stigma, and raise up safe spaces for healing and connection.

scripture

Galatians 6:2 (CSB)

“Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (CSB)

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.”

common questions

What is Mental Health First Aid?

It’s a skills-based training course that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.

Who is this training for?

MHFA is for anyone—no mental health background required. It’s designed for community members, teachers, faith leaders, employers, and more.

Is this certification recognized?

Yes, you’ll receive a nationally recognized certificate from Mental Health First Aid USA, valid for three years.

What kinds of mental health issues are covered?

Topics include depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, and substance use, along with crisis situations like suicide or panic attacks.

Is this training trauma-informed or safe for those with lived experience?

Yes, facilitators create a supportive environment and encourage participants to care for themselves, with the option to step away if needed.

What happens after I’m trained?

You'll be equipped to assist someone experiencing a mental health challenge and encouraged to stay connected with resources and ongoing learning

media

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