Multiple US Communities Offer Free Mental Health First Aid Trainings in May

Several communities across the U.S. are expanding access to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to improve early recognition and response to mental health and substance use challenges. FACCES in Columbus is hosting free MHFA workshops and a symposium focused on child and youth mental wellness, providing tools to recognize symptoms and connect individuals with resources. Similarly, the Community Mental Health First Aid Collaborative in Riverbend offers discounted or free MHFA training to businesses and nonprofits, aiming to make these skills as common as CPR and to foster supportive environments both in workplaces and public spaces. NACo, in partnership with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, promotes MHFA to county governments to reduce workplace stigma, improve employee wellness, and mitigate the significant productivity losses caused by untreated mental health issues. Buncombe County Health and Human Services and Vaya Health are also providing free MHFA training to the community, emphasizing crisis de-escalation and suicide prevention. These initiatives collectively highlight a growing national emphasis on equipping individuals and organizations with practical mental health support skills to foster healthier, more resilient communities.