Purdue Extension continues to offer 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.

The University has prioritized mental health support over the past year in light of the pandemic and social change uprooting daily life. MHFA may therefore be of interest to faculty, staff and students looking for ways to better support one another.

Two versions of MHFA are available from Purdue Extension. The adult program trains those who want to help other adults, and the youth program trains adults who want to help young people of elementary school age through high school age. Both programs introduce common mental health challenges and contexts, review safe action planning steps, and cover topics such as anxiety, depression, trauma and suicidality.

Upcoming course offerings

Advance registration and online prework are required, and the cost to attend is $20. Each course date is limited to 15 participants and spots fill up quickly, so early registration is encouraged. All currently scheduled courses will be held virtually.

Upcoming adult courses:

• March 31 – Register by March 17.
• April 15 – Register by April 1.
• April 27 – Register by April 13.
• May 12 – Register by April 28.
• June 8 – Register by May 25.

Upcoming youth courses:

• April 29 – Register by April 15.
• May 19 – Register by May 5.

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

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.