Mental Health First Aid Course Now Available

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), along with the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), has announced the availability of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instruction. Mental Health First Aid is an 8 hour educational program in use throughout the country to teach people how to identity, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and offer initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem, or experiencing a crisis.

This course does not teach you to be the professional, the therapist, or counselor. The course aims to take the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and teaching people to safely and responsibly identify and address situations they may encounter.

Through this ODP/OMHSAS initiative, classes are being offered twice a month at varying locations throughout the state and are free to attend. You must register for classes through MyODP. For further information, use this link to ODP Communication 038-18.