Mental Health First Aid
Healthy Minds Make A Strong Corridor
Join us October 10 & 11, 2012 for Mental Health First Aid training at Horizons! For only $75 you'll receive lunch on both days and all course materials required.
Register today! Is your group interested in Mental Health First Aid training? Contact us at
mhfa@horizonsfamily.org to schedule your session today!
For every four Americans, one lives with a mental health problem each year. Yet, far too many – up to two-thirds – go without treatment.
Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual following a physical emergency, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
About Mental Health First Aid 
In 2001, Mental Health First Aid was created by Professor Tony Jorm, a respected mental health literacy professor, and Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education; and is administered by the University of Melbourne.
Five published studies in Australia show that the program saves lives, improves the mental health of the individual administering care and the one receiving it, expands knowledge of mental illness and treatment, increases the services provided and reduces overall stigma by improving mental health “literacy”. Horizons is pleased to offer this service to Eastern Iowa and beyond.
What You’ll Learn
Over the course of 12 hours, Horizons’ Mental Health First Aid-certified instructors will provide you with:
- Awareness of the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including: depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury
- 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to assess the situation, to select and implement appropriate interventions, and to help the individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional care
- Understanding of the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in their communities
- Working knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health illness
Who Should Attend?
Mental Health First Aid is for anyone interested in learning how to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, offer and provide initial help, and guide a person toward appropriate treatments and other supportive help.
This course is an excellent resource for: faith-based groups, parent/family groups, school administrators, teachers, primary care professionals, local business leaders, human resource professionals, and those working in public safety.
Join us October 10 & 11, 2012 for Mental Health First Aid training at Horizons! For only $75 you'll receive lunch on both days and all course materials required. Register today! Is your group interested in Mental Health First Aid training? Contact us at mhfa@horizonsfamily.org to schedule your session today!
What are Horizons Mental Health First Aid attendees saying?
"Open, honest discussion in a warm, caring atmosphere."
"Phenomenal presentations!"
"Instructor background and knowledge-base brought invaluable insight."
"So much useable information, empowering me to feel more confident in providing help to others".
"It exceeded all of my expectations."
"I have recommended it to others already."
"I learned A LOT! I did not realize I was following so many 'myths.' I was a psych major and thought I was more knowledgeable."
"Enjoyed the many methods of teaching: lecturing, videos, and activities."
"Helpful for people at any level or any professional setting."
Learn More
Download the Mental Health First Aid brochure