Mental Health First Aid Training

This is an 8-hour course that provides a 3-year certification, which is currently renewable via an online course for a nominal fee.

Where: Portland Audubon, 5151 NW Cornell Rd., Portland, OR, 97210.

Day 1: Wednesday, March 4th, 9:00am – 2:30pm  – We will cover general information and data about Mental Health First Aid, mental health challenges in the United States, the MHFA Action Plan, Understanding Depression and Anxiety, the action plan for suicidal thoughts and behavior and the action plan for non-suicidal self-injury.

Day 2: Thursday, March 5th, 9:00am – 2:30pm – MHFA Action Plan for crises associated with anxiety (panic attacks and traumatic events); work through understanding psychosis and the action plan for psychosis and disruptive or aggressive behavior; understanding substance use disorders; cover the action plan for overdose and withdrawal, and close the course with reminders about using your training and a Q&A/”What If” session.

Activity Level: There will be a PowerPoint presentation with intermittent drawing, writing, break-out discussions, role playing, and movement. If it helps you stay focused, fidgets like doodling, knitting, etc. are encouraged for those times that are presentation- and discussion-based.

What does FPC have to do with mental health? Forest Park Conservancy is invested in the whole health of our staff, partners, community members, and Forest Park users. 

Statistically, it is almost certain that everyone in our community has experience with mental health challenges, whether that is with our family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors, or within ourselves. Learning how to identify signs of mental illness and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis can make a profound impact on that person’s life, which improves the health of our community more broadly.

Have you ever taken a physical first aid or CPR course? The National Council of Behavioral Health strives to make this course as common as CPR—and with more than 2 million First Aiders certified in the United States (and more in over 25 countries abroad) we’re on our way!

Snacks and coffee will be provided, but please bring a bag lunch. If you have any dietary restriction, please notify our Volunteer Coordinator, Zac Peal.