Mental Health First Aid is a training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. Mental Health First Aid training is offered to professionals and community members in Craven County. Courses can be in-person, virtual, or blended (a combination of in-person and virtual). Courses are typically one day and are offered for adults, youth and teens. Mental First Aid teaches about recovery and resiliency, and covers topics such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Participants learn interventions for a variety of situations, including how to help someone experiencing panic attacks, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use, and more. Through role-playing and simulations, Mental First Aid demonstrates how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions; provide initial help; and connect people to professional, peer and social supports as well as self-help resources. 

By completing Mental Health First Aid, individuals gain valuable knowledge and skills that can help them make a real difference in their communities, potentially saving lives and improving mental health outcomes. This course fosters a supportive and proactive environment where individuals feel equipped to manage challenging mental health situations.

This program serves professionals and community members in Craven County.

The individuals that complete MHFA training have the necessary tools and information regarding mental health and substance use and are more likely to intervene during a crisis. The confidence built from this training can start dialogues that lead people to get the help they need. Mental Health First Aide can even save lives. 

Due to COVID-19, these trainings were put on pause in 2020 and 2021. The program resumed in 2022 and one training was held. In 2023, three community training sessions were held.