What is Mental Health First AID?

More than 50% of people

will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime.

Mental Health First Aid USA is a free 8-hour training. Through the course, you will learn how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or is going through a mental health crisis. Through Mental Health First Aid, trainees can identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.

MentalHealth.today is a project by multiple partners to bring Mental Health First Aid classes to Lake County, Illinois.

You can make a difference. Host a training or become an instructor.

WHY Mental health first aid?

  • Mental health problems are common.
  • Stigma is associated with mental health problems.
  • Professional help is not always on hand.
  • Individuals with mental health problems often do not seek help.
  • Many people are not well informed and don’t know how to respond.
  • Learn how to notice when someone needs help.
  • Promote understanding.
  • Encourage community members to support one another.
  • Help more people get the help they need.
  • Learn how to intervene. You might save a life.

Testimonial

"Taking the Mental Health First Aid training helps you see things from different perspectives. The training helps you develop your listening and analytical skills and teaches you that things may not always be what they seem. It shows you that simply asking if someone is okay can actually save their life."

– Nick, Training Participant
1
Community members trained by Lake County Health Department and our partners

Our Partners

The following partners are working together to provide Mental Health First Aid classes in Lake County:

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call our Crisis Care Hotline at (847) 377-8088 to speak with a professional counselor. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.