Three Million People Trained in Mental Health First Aid Nationwide

Just a few weeks ago, when we kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month, we announced a major milestone for Mental Health First Aid, a training program administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that prepares people to recognize the signs of — and respond to — mental health and substance use challenges.

Because of the unwavering support and commitment from our Instructors, National Trainers, clients and partners to make mental wellbeing a reality for everyone, we have trained more than three million people across the country in Mental Health First Aid. These three million First Aiders represent trusted individuals who are equipped to act as first responders to mental health and substance use challenges in their local communities.

Mental Health First Aid has always been a program of action as opposed to a program of just awareness. This is why I can boldly say that our vision is that everyone in the United States will have at least one First Aider in their close circle of friends, family and peers. When equipped with the right information, they’re the ones who can help you get additional support in the face of a mental health or substance use crisis.

It was not just a milestone for the program, but also for me, personally. As I step into my new role as vice president of Mental Health First Aid, I can’t help but reflect on the astonishing growth of the program – powered by the passion of people. When I first joined the National Council in 2012 after delivering the training in my own community, I was just one of five staff members working on the Mental Health First Aid program. Fast forward a little over 10 years later, and the Mental Health First Aid team has grown to a staff of more than 80 people spanning 24 states.

In our work to expand the impact of Mental Health First Aid, I have flown over 350,000 miles across the country. My travels have taken me from long rides connecting with instructors who serve rural communities in Texas, Kansas and Minnesota to early mornings with faith communities, school personnel, elected officials, construction and labor industry professionals supporting their workforce.

This milestone is a celebration of our community of three million people, and it also serves as an invitation for those just learning about Mental Health First Aid to become a part of the next three million trained.

Here are some examples of how we are driving forward momentum for the program, and our broader work at National Council, and how you can get involved:

·??????We are supporting young people by teaching teens at high schools across America how to help peers who may be experiencing mental health challenges and connect to a trusted adult.

·??????We are drawing attention to risk factors specific to the higher education setting and connecting college students to community mental health resources.

·??????We are co-creating and expanding culturally relevant course content such as Youth Mental Health First Aid for Tribal Communities and Indigenous Peoples.

·??????We are releasing translated materials that are collaboratively and culturally adapted starting with Khmer and Chinese.

·??????We are supporting the mental health needs of specific industries such as farming and agriculture, public safety and corrections professionals.

·??????We are expanding Mental Health First Aid to new industries including retail, airlines and restaurants, and partnering with groups representing state and local governments.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to support the growth of Mental Health First Aid over the last 10 years in the United States and am humbled to work alongside an extraordinary group of humans to shape the future of the program.

You can join us in making an impact by becoming a First Aider, becoming an Instructor or partnering with us by offering the Mental Health First Aid training to your employees or community.

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