Mental Health First Aid Logo in solid white

I believe every single person can benefit from it, in the same way that the general public can benefit from knowing CPR.

— MHFA Trainer

About our Training

Learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in crisis, and where to turn for help.

General Info

We offer several one-day MHFA classes per year that are open to the public. Cost is generally $40 per person, with scholarships available; however we do offer free classes frequently. Each MHFA class runs from approximately 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. All materials are provided. Lunch is on your own unless otherwise specified.

On-Site Classes

We can also come to YOUR organization to provide group training! To find out more, including price options, just fill out this Training Request Form or contact Julie Helmer at (269) 364-6950 or jhelmer@iskzoo.org.

Accommodations

We want everyone to be able to fully participate in training. We can arrange for wheelchair access, visual or hearing assistance, etc. To ensure we can meet your needs, please contact Julie Helmer at least two weeks before the scheduled training at (269) 364-6950 or jhelmer@iskzoo.org.

FAQ

When can I take an MHFA Class?

What is MHFA?

What types of MHFA classes does ISK offer?

Who can benefit from MHFA?

How did MHFA get started?

What local organizations have taken MHFA training?

Class Schedule

See EVENTS page for Full List & Registration

Adult mental health phone. A group of people in a row with arms linked.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: ADULTS 

UPCOMING CLASSES

March 5, 2025:

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

May 20, 2025: 

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

June 23, 2025: 

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

September 18, 2025: 

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

Questions? Contact Julie Helmer at (269) 364-6950 or jhelmer@iskzoo.org.

Youth mental health photo. A group of teenages sitting on a wall together.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: YOUTH

UPCOMING CLASSES

December 5, 2024:

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: KRESA, Wile Auditorium, 1819 E Milham Ave., Portage MI 49002
  • Register HERE

Feb. 27, 2025: 

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

June 5, 2025: 

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

Sept. 30, 2025: 

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

Nov. 20, 2025: 

  • TIME: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • WHERE: ISK, 418 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Conference Room A
  • Register HERE

Questions? Contact Danielle Sackrider at (269) 998-9590 or dsackrider@iskzoo.org.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ONLINE CLASSES:

After registering, you will receive:

  1. Access to a required two-hour self-study program from MHFA to complete at least three days BEFORE the virtual Zoom class.
  2. The Zoom link for the class, which will be sent to you separately.

What is Mental Health First Aid?

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help offered to a person who may be developing a mental health challenge or is in a mental health crisis. MHFA is an international, evidence-based program that teaches people to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

ISK is proud to offer MHFA training to community members. In this course you’ll learn:

  • The prevalence of mental health issues and the need to reduce stigma
  • The importance of early intervention on mental health challenges.
  • How to apply the appropriate steps of the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE).
  • How to identify and assist with early signs and worsening signs of mental health challenges
  • How to identify and assist with a mental health crisis
  • The importance of self-care as we become Mental Health First Aiders

Watch our video to hear what MHFA means to ISK trainers and participants.

MHFA Class Options

MHFA for ADULTS

Mental Health First Aid for Adults teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Learn More »

MHFA for YOUTH

Designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Learn how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Learn More »

MHFA for VETERANS, MILITARY MEMBERS and THEIR FAMILIES

Designed for military members, veterans, their families/friends and those who work with them, this training focuses on military culture and risk factors faced by service members and their families. Learn how to break down stigma, reach out to those who are reluctant to seek help and access community resources for support. Learn More »

MHFA for HIGHER EDUCATION

Focuses on the unique experiences and needs of college students, campus culture, and risk factors faced by those in a higher education setting. A great option for students (must be at least 18), faculty, administrators, resident advisors, coaches, and athletic personnel, campus law enforcement, academic advisors, counselors, campus clergy, librarians, and more. Learn More »

Who Can Benefit from MHFA?

  • Friends & family of people with mental illness or substance use disorders
  • General public
  • Primary care workers
  • School and college leadership
  • Students
  • Faith communities
  • Professional associations
  • Parent organizations
  • Social & Rotary clubs
  • Community leaders
  • Businesses
  • Police officers and first-responders
  • Veterans/Military Members and Their Families

I would say I use the training daily. I can apply it to coworkers, friendships, family, and interactions with people, and that’s really what Mental Health First Aid helps you do is interact with people.

–MHFA Participant

How Did MHFA Start?

Mental Health First Aid was created in Australia in 2001 by Betty Kitchener, a nurse specializing in health education, and Anthony Jorm, a mental health literacy professor.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing brought Mental Health First Aid to the United States in 2008, and today MHFA is taught around the world.

The Council hopes MHFA will become as common as CPR and First Aid training.  Several studies have shown that the evidence-based MHFA program:

> Improves people’s mental health

> Increases understanding of mental health issues and treatments

> Connects more people with care

> Reduces stigma

About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

Local Organizations ISK Has Trained

A Group photo of nursing students from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, after taking the Adult Mental Health First training. Everyone in the photo is wearing Look Beyond t-shirts.
Cheff Center mental health first aid training

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo

  • Bronson Methodist Hospital

  • Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center

  • Guardian Finance & Advocacy Services

  • Gull Lake Community Schools

  • Kalamazoo College

  • Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department

  • Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home

  • Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety

  • Kalamazoo Public Library

  • Kalamazoo Valley Community College

  • Paramount Charter Academy

  • Recovery Institute of Southwest Michigan

  • Western Michigan University

  • Vicksburg Schools

  • Veteran/Military Organizations

And many more!

We can also come to YOUR organization to provide group training!

To find out more, including price options, just fill out this Training Request Form or contact Julie Helmer at (269) 364-6950 or jhelmer@iskzoo.org.