What is Mental Health First Aid? (MHFA)
The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy is sponsoring Mental Health First Aid classes for their students and staff.
Mental Health First Aid is a program that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The program gives participants the skills and confidence to provide initial support to those who are experiencing a crisis in their community. The U of M College of Pharmacy is currently supporting Adult Mental Health First Aid classes. These are intended to better equip adults in helping those in their community who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use disorder. You can learn more about Mental Health First Aid on the program website.
MHFA classes are approximately eight hours long. Classes will either be:
- 100% virtual, with two hours of self-paced online content and six hours of live interactive content online via Zoom.
- Blended virtual and in-person with two hours of self-paced online content and six hours of live interactive in person in Duluth.
Goals of MHFA
By the end of the training, learners will:
- Identify the impact of mental health and substance use challenges on the wellbeing of American adults.
- Describe the principles of safety and privacy for both the mental health first aider and the person receiving first aid.
- Explain the five steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan.
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges that may impact adults.
- Evaluate the impact of early intervention on mental health and substance use challenges.
- Apply the appropriate steps of the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan to a non-crisis or crisis scenario.
- Choose appropriate methods for self-care following the application of Mental Health First Aid in a crisis or non-crisis situation.
Course Schedule and Registration
Course schedule
The Mental Health First Aid training is comprises of two parts.
Part 1 is a self-paced, two-hour training that will need to be completed before Part 2. This information will be sent to the email you provided to at least one week before your selected training date.
Part 2 is held over Zoom from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. (including a 30 minute lunch break).
Part 2 of the training is entirely virtual, so a webcam and microphone are required to participate. Please be in a quiet space with adequate internet access and limited distractions throughout the session.
2023 Dates
Wednesday, June 7
Tuesday, June 13
Thursday, June 15
Saturday, June 24
Sunday, June 25
Sunday, July 2
Thursday, July 6
Thursday, July 13
Wednesday, July 19
Friday, July 28
Monday, July 31
Wednesday, August 2
Monday, August 7
Thursday, August 10
Monday, August 14
Accreditation
This course qualifies as 5.5 CE credit hours by the the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.