ORLANDO – Orlando Health is offering mental health first aid training to teach the common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges as well as how to interact with a person in crisis.
The evidence-based, early-intervention course is administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and uses community-specific scenarios, activities and videos. The course also teaches participants how to provide initial support until those in need are connected with appropriate professional help. Participants are directed to call the crisis line 988 or 911 for emergency situations.
“By equipping our community with mental health support resources, we’re making an important investment in the health of Central Florida,” said Sara Osborne, senior director, Orlando Health Community Benefit. “This course not only helps address a critical need, but it also empowers participants and fosters an approach of empathy and resilience that will spread even beyond our area. We’re especially excited to have launched this program in May, which was Mental Health Awareness Month.”
The Mental Health First Aid training course is designed for participants who have little or no medical training but may be able to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Examples of those who participate are employers, coaches, teachers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, parents and more.
The classes are free and open to the community, and participants must be 18 or older. Those interested can register online.
The program began as a result of Orlando Health Community Benefit’s Community Health Needs Assessment, which specifically identified mental health as a crucial need. Orlando Health is also slated to open a new 144-bed behavioral health hospital in Apopka in partnership with Acadia Healthcare in 2025.
