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Event Series: Adult Mental Health First Aid

Adult Mental Health First Aid

July 17 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based, internationally recognized training that teaches participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in adults. This interactive course equips individuals with the skills to provide initial support and connect someone to appropriate professional help.
Participants will learn to recognize common mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders. Through discussion, role-play, and scenario-based exercises, learners will gain confidence in starting supportive conversations, de-escalating crises, and guiding individuals toward appropriate resources. This course is ideal for anyone interested in supporting mental wellness in their workplace, community, or personal life—including employers, educators, first responders, faith leaders, and community members. Upon completion, participants will be certified as Mental Health First Aiders.
Learn more and register for this 2-day training.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
  1. Recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges in adults.
  2. Understand risk factors and warning signs of mental health crises, including suicide and self-harm.
  3. Apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to assess situations and provide appropriate initial help.
  4. Listen nonjudgmentally and provide reassurance and support to individuals in distress.
  5. Encourage appropriate professional help and self-help strategies for someone experiencing a mental health or substance use issue.
  6. Respond to mental health crises effectively, including panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, overdose, and acute psychosis.
  7. Promote a supportive and stigma-free environment for mental health in the workplace and community
Trainers
Andrew Alexander, Director of Workforce Development, Thrive Behavioral Health, leads initiatives to strengthen behavioral health services through training, education, and staff development. With over a decade of experience in the mental health and human services field, Andrew brings a deep understanding of trauma-informed care, adult learning principles, and workforce resilience. He is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and a passionate advocate for building supportive, stigma-free communities. Andrew’s engaging and compassionate training style empowers participants to confidently support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges.
Daisy M. Hernandez, MSW, LCSW, MBA serves as a Trainer and the Director of the Recovery Education Collaborative Peer Recovery Technical Assistance at C4 Innovations. She earned her Master of Social Work as a fellow of the Integrated Behavioral Health Fellowship from Westfield State University and her Master’s in Business Administration from Elms College.  Ms. Hernandez has dedicated her clinical social work career to community mental and behavioral health organizations within under-served communities.  Her professional experience spans the entire spectrum of substance use disorder (prevention through recovery). As a native of Puerto Rico, she has leveraged her lived experience, bilingualism, and education to support and advance racial justice and empower individuals who are over-represented in behavioral health and social services as a result of negative impacts of social determinants of health, including re-entry. 

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