MHFA Forum 2 - Supporting the First Aider: Strategies for Promoting Learners' Safety and Wellbeing

Sunday, May 4, 2025

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ET

Location: 204C

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of participants is a fundamental principle of MHFA. However, even experienced Instructors may fall into patterns that inadvertently overlook learners' unique needs. This interactive session draws on lessons learned from implementing MHFA with pre-service school staff through a Mental Health Awareness Training grant. Participants will engage in collaborative discussions to identify common challenges and share solutions, culminating in the creation of a practical resource toolkit. Facilitators will document and organize contributions in real time, resulting in a dynamic, shared resource to enhance instructional strategies before, during and after MHFA courses.

Learning Objectives:

Identify potential emotional and logistical challenges faced by MHFA learners of varying communities and populations.
Apply practical strategies before, during and after MHFA courses to improve participant comfort and wellbeing.
Utilize data and feedback to enhance teaching approaches and support systems for MHFA learners.

Forum Presenter - MHFA Summit(s)

Rachel Taube, MSW

Director for Mental Health First Aid Missouri
Missouri Institute of Mental Health
St. Louis, Missouri
AB

Amy Bartels, M.Ed.

Project Manager
Missouri Institute of Mental Health
St. Louis, Missouri
JB

Jevon Billups
Naeemah Staggs, MHS

Maryland National Trainer
Maryland MHFA Training Collaborative
Glen Burnie, Maryland
DB

Dave Brown

Senior Associate: School-based Training and Behavioral Health Equities
The Danya Institute
Silver Spring, Maryland

Moderator - MHFA Summit(s)

Donald Decker, LCSW

National Trainet
National Council
Long Island City, New York