Purdue Extension continues to offer Mental Health First Aid courses

Mental Health First Aid courses offered through Purdue Extension align with the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

For over two years, Purdue Extension has offered Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses to the campus community and across Indiana. Mental Health First Aid courses provide introductory education about several mental health issues. Mental Health First Aid courses then offer participants tools to assist someone in distress to seek professional help, as well as tools for self-care. These courses also raise awareness and challenge stigma associated with seeking help, and align with the behavioral health pillar of the Healthy Boiler Program.

Purdue Extension offers two versions of Mental Health First Aid:

• Adult (for adults who want to help other adults).
• Youth (for adults who want to help children and teens).

Both versions introduce common mental health challenges and contexts for the given age group, review safe action planning steps and cover topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, suicidality and more.

In 2020, the Mental Health First Aid program was adapted so that participants can attend a course in-person or virtually. This program is still taught by a team of certified Purdue Extension facilitators and may be of interest to faculty and staff looking for ways to better support students and colleagues.

Upcoming course offerings

Advance registration and online pre-work are required for Mental Health First Aid courses, and the cost to attend is $20. Each course has a limited class size, so early registration is encouraged.

To learn more about course options, continuing education opportunities, featured stories, and a list of all Adult and Youth courses, visit www.extension.purdue.edu/mhfa. Check the website often for updated course listings as they become available.

Upcoming virtual Adult course offerings include:

• Nov. 16 (Tu): Register here.
• Dec. 15 (W): Register here.

Questions

Inquires may be sent via email to mhfa@purdue.edu or by contacting Tessa Garrow, behavioral health specialist in the College of Health and Human Sciences, at 765-496-6849.