Dare County Department of Health & Human Services has individuals trained to provide the Youth Mental Health First Aid Program and Adult Mental Health First Aid Program. Mental Health First Aid is a training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance abuse challenges. 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.

Mental Health First Aid can be helpful for anyone: Employers, Police Officers, Hospital Staff, First Responders, Teachers, Faith Leaders, Community Members, and Caring Individuals.

The course introduces common mental health challenges and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help individuals in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, adverse childhood experiences, substance use, psychosis and trauma.  Evidence-based professional, peer and self-help resources are provided.