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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)


Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches students, faculty and staff the skills needed to identify and support those with mental illnesses and substance use disorders. It is appropriate for primary care professionals, employers and business leaders, faith communities, school personnel and educators, state police and corrections officers, nursing home staff, mental health authorities, state policymakers, volunteers, young people, families and the general public.

It is an 8-hour, highly interactive course that:

  • Provides an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders;

  • Introduces risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, as well as their impact on individuals;

  • Provides an overview of common treatments.

Participants who complete the course certify as “Mental Health First Aiders”; they learn the skills and resources needed to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate care.

Learn More About Mental Health First Aid Training (opens new window)

The Campus Suicide Prevention Center of Virginia, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health, provides MHFA training at no cost to all college/university communities within the Commonwealth. 

To find out more about bringing a Mental Health First Aid training to your campus, contact:
Jane Wiggins, Ph.D.
wigginjr@jmu.edu ✉
540-568-8901 ☏



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