Over 50,000 Canadians are now trained to provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health issue or crisis. This achievement marks a major milestone for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Canada, an evidence-based program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
MHFA trains individuals to provide critical early help to someone experiencing a mental health issue. MHFA is similar to physical health first aid: it is assistance given to an individual before appropriate supports can be found. MHFA training is offered as a course and is open to anyone, including teachers, volunteers, human resources professionals, employers and community groups among others.
MHFA Canada has grown rapidly since joining the MHCC in February 2010. In that time, the number of instructors has grown from 250 to over 600, and the number of trained individuals has increased by over 30,000.
To read the press release, visit the Mental Health Commission of Canada website at: www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
To find a Mental Health First Aid course in your area, visitwww.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca.