Several organizations, including Partners Health Management, Atrium Health, and UCPS, are teaching Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) to professionals and Community members. Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that can help individuals across the community understand mental illnesses, support timely intervention, and save lives. Mental Health First Aid teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The course introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, builds understanding of their impact, and provides an overview of standard treatments. Role-playing and simulations demonstrate how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions; provide initial help; connect people to professional, peer, and social support; and use self-help resources. Mental Health First Aid encourages early detection and intervention by teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and addictions. The program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like “What can I do?” and “Where can someone find help?” Participants are introduced to local mental health resources, national organizations, support groups, and online tools for mental health and addiction treatment and support. Certified trainers teach the course, usually free to community members.

School Professionals

Community Members and Organizations

Parents and Families

Peers

Mental Health First Aid Goals

• Assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis.
• Learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns.
• Learn strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
• Where to turn for help.

Union County Public Schools (UCPS), Atrium Health, and Partners Health Management delivered five Mental Health First Aid Courses to 57 participants.

77 Union County residents participated in MHFA classes, held at Union County Human Services, Ryan's Place, and South Piedmont Community College.