Mental Health First Aid Training  

In 2024, the YMCA of Metro Chicago worked with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to certify 12 of our staff members in the National Council’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Certified staff were subsequently able to host eight community training sessions and certify nearly 100 community members as mental-health first-aiders. MHFA training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges in themselves and others. The training promotes early intervention, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and fostering a supportive environment where people feel safe to seek help. By teaching participants how to assess mental health crises, offer appropriate support, and guide individuals to professional resources, MHFA training can significantly improve outcomes for those experiencing mental health issues and helps create a culture of empathy, resilience, and understanding. 

Before training, 54% of participants indicated they would be likely or very likely to respond to a substance use crisis, including an overdose. After the training, 100% of participants indicated they were likely or very likely to respond to a substance use crisis. 

Training YMCA staff in Mental Health First Aid provides a strong professional development opportunity and also helps build organizational capacity that will result in higher-quality service delivery and the ability to provide support to partners across the sector.