Mental Health First Aid

Why be trained as a Mental Health First Aider

give current stats on Mental Health Crises for Youth and Adults

Mental Health First Aid is a program that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The program gives participants the skills and confidence to provide initial support to those who are experiencing a crisis in their community. WiROSE is supporting both Youth and Mental Health First Aid to better equip adults to help those in their community who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use disorder. You can Learn more about Mental Health First Aid on the program website.

Find more information by choosing a heading below.

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Adult Mental Health First Aid

Adult Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to recognize signs of a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. The program teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary.

Who should be trained?

For Adult Mental Health First Aid:

  • Employers
  • Police officers
  • Hospital staff
  • First responders
  • Faith leaders
  • Community members
  • Caring individuals

Upcoming Sessions

UW Madison Division of Extension Educators will be providing Mental Health First Aid classes to community members who live or work in Rural Areas.

All trainings start at 9am and end at 3:30 PM

Please fill out an interest form and we will let you know when more trainings become scheduled.

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training Request Form

The Division of Extension can offer a limited number of Adult Mental Health First Aid trainings to Wisconsin communities and organizations.

Please complete the AMHFA Inquiry Form questions as best you can.

Link to Inquiry Form: https://forms.gle/cSsCs6SiwDHotR4H7

Responses will automatically be submitted to Jen Park-Mroch, jennifer.parkmroch@wisc.edu. This process could take up to 6 weeks. Pick your training date 6 weeks out from the date of this inquiry. A minimum of 5 participants must be met or the training will be canceled.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.

Who should be trained?

For Youth Mental Health First Aid:

  • Teachers
  • School staff
  • Coaches
  • Camp counselors
  • Youth group leaders
  • Parents
  • People who work with youth

Upcoming Sessions

UW Madison Division of Extension Educators will be providing Mental Health First Aid classes to community members who live or work in Rural Areas.  All classes start at 9 am and end at 3 pm.

Please fill out an interest form and we will let you know when more trainings become scheduled.

Wisconsin Schools are also encouraged to visit Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Schools Center for Youth Mental Health First Aid training opportunities.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Request Form

The Division of Extension can offer a limited number of YMHFA trainings to Wisconsin communities and organizations.  Wisconsin Schools are also encouraged to visit Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Schools Center for Youth Mental Health First Aid training opportunities.

Please complete the YMHFA Inquiry Form questions as best you can.

Link to Inquiry Form: https://forms.gle/fUETKZMveAf2E3CU6

Responses will automatically be submitted to Jen Park-Mroch, jennifer.parkmroch@wisc.edu. This process could take up to 6 weeks. Pick your training date 6 weeks out from the date of this inquiry. A minimum of 5 participants must be met or the training will be canceled.

Request a Mental Health First Aid Training

Do you want to host a training?  Please fill out our Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Request Form

Adult MHFA Training Request Form

Youth MHFA Training Request Form

Wisconsin Schools are also encouraged to visit Wisconsin Safe and Healthy Schools Schools Center for Youth Mental Health First Aid training opportunities.