The Macomb County Health Department Community Health Assessment found that 53.2% of respondents identified mental health as a priority when asked to identify health concerns other than chronic disease. The Macomb County Health Department aims to increase early identification of behavioral health risk factors by 2021. Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach the general public how to provide comfort, promote recovery, and help reduce distress related to stressful situations, trauma, and crisis.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

The Macomb County Health Department is partnering with Community Mental Health and the Macomb Intermediate School District to host and implement Mental Health First Aid trainings.