Mental Health First Aid Course Introduction
Public Health has indicated we all must be careful in social settings due to recent developments with COVID-19. As a result, all face-to-face learning opportunities are currently suspended until further notice.
One in five, or 20 percent of Canadians, will suffer from a significant mental health condition at least once in their lifetime according to the Mental Health Association of Canada, and unfortunately, most of society is programmed not to talk about it. However, things are changing as media campaigns bring more awareness to how many Canadians are affected by mental health conditions. These initiatives are taking away the stigma that prevents those suffering from mental health issues from seeking help.
Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke is taking a leadership role in Renfrew County by encouraging its students and staff to better understand their own mental health, and how they can help others who are experiencing mental health issues. In the past several years, most of the Pembroke Campus employees have completed the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification course–training that has taught them how to be first responders when a student is experiencing a mental health problem.
In addition, Algonquin College has staff members who have been trained as certified MHFA trainers and will be leading the Mental Health First Aid courses at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Waterfront Campus.
Read more about Algonquin College’s Mental Health First Aid training course – see staff trainer bios here; see the course overview/outline here; see Course Dates/Cost/Registration Form for upcoming courses.
What is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. It gives people the skills to provide that early help which is so important in recovery. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved. The program does not teach people how to be therapists. It does teach people to: recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, provide initial help, and guide a person towards appropriate professional help.
Who should take an MHFA Canada course?
The courses offered by Algonquin College in the Ottawa Valley are recommended primarily for professionals or volunteers who work in health or social agencies, human resources, community organizations, or school boards, etc. If you are not affiliated with a professional organization and are interested in taking this course, please contact Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community & Student Affairs: 613-735-4700, ext. 2756 or brambuj@algonquincollege.com.
Some of the information on this web page is from the Mental Health First Aid website of the Canadian Mental Health Commission. Please refer to their website for more information about courses, videos, and resources and more.
What some students are saying about Algonquin College’s Mental Health First Aid trainers:
“The course is amazing! It offers not only a broad scope of information to increase awareness; but, many practical exercises (e.g., role plays, visualizations, and vignettes) that bring this information to life and help participants feel comfortable in applying what they learn.”
– Chris Cobus, Capacity Developer, Community Support Services-Renfrew County and Area
Mental Health First Aid in the News