Mental Health First Aid is a training — like regular First Aid or CPR — designed to give people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind the program reflects that it helps trainees identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. 

The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to recognize and respond to the warning signs of specific illnesses.

Mental Health First Aid teaches participants a five-step action plan, ALGEE, to support someone developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• Listen nonjudgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Though the Mental Health First Aid course is valued at $170 per participant, it is offered at no cost to Pacific University faculty and staff. Course funding is provided by the Human Resources Department and through a grant from Nonstop Wellness.

All faculty and staff are invited to visit the Employee Wellness webpage for more information and to register.