Services

Mental Health First Aid

The School Wellness Lab offers training in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA).

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program. It teaches participants to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health or substance use challenge, how to listen nonjudgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge, and how to refer a person to appropriate support and services. Mental Health First Aid was designed to extend the concept of first aid training to mental health and substance use challenges, empowering community members with the ability to give better initial support to someone who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis.

MHFA prepares participants to assist adults who are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. YMHFA prepares participants to assist youth and adolescents (ages 5-17) who are experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. Individuals who complete the training earn certification as Mental Health First Aiders. The Mental Health First Aid website has more information.

Several fliers of the program elaborate on these services.

To schedule a training or learn more about the services offered by the School Wellness Lab, please contact Dr. Kara Lasater at klasater@uark.edu or 479-575-5565.