Purdue Extension offering virtual Mental Health First Aid courses

Over the past two years, Purdue Extension has offered Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses to the campus community and across Indiana. MHFA courses provide education about mental health issues including depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidality and substance use. MHFA courses then offer participants tools to assist someone in distress to seek professional help. These courses also raise awareness and challenge stigma associated with seeking care.

In response to social distancing guidelines and the increased need to prioritize mental health, virtual course options are now available, still taught by a team of certified Purdue Extension facilitators. The relaunch of these programs is of particular importance during COVID-19 as more individuals and families experience increased stress. This may be of particular interest also to faculty and staff looking for ways to better support students and colleagues.

Advance registration and online pre-work are required for virtual courses, and the cost to attend is $20. Each course date is limited to 20 participants and spots will fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged.

To learn more about virtual course options, continuing education opportunities and featured stories, as well as to find a course that fits your schedule, visit www.extension.purdue.edu/mhfa. Check back to the website often for updated course listings as they become available. Inquires may be sent to mhfa@purdue.edu, or contact Tessa Garrow at 765-496-6849.