Mental Health First Aid classes are now available! Register now.

Mental Health First Aid is a FREE course that teaches you how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The Lake County Health Department’s Mental Health First Aid initiative is now offering classes virtually. This includes a two-hour self-paced course, followed by four hours of instructor-led training delivered virtually. The virtual course curricula includes expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care.

The course teaches:

  • How to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge
  • How to listen non-judgmentally and give reassurance to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge
  • How to refer a person to appropriate professional support and services

This hands-on learning experience includes discussion topics, scenarios, and other activities to keep you engaged in the course and give you an opportunity to practice helping skills.

Upcoming Classes

Why you should become a Mental Health First Aider

Be prepared

Just like you learn CPR, learn how to help someone in a mental health or substance use crisis.

Mental illnesses are common

1 in 5 people will experience one in a given year.

You care

Be there for a friend, family member, or colleague. Learn how to start a conversation.

You can help

People with mental illnesses often suffer alone. Learn when and how to step in and offer support.

Host a training

Your organization can host a training event!  The Lake County Health Department will provide the Instructors and materials free of charge.  All you need to do is provide space for up to 30 attendees and register members of your organization or community. Send a message to let us know you are interested, and we will be in touch with you.

Why should I train my employees?

$80-100 billion

in indirect costs annually are due to mental illness and substance use – including lost productivity and absenteeism.

1 in 5

American adults experiences a mental health illness each year. It is likely that employees and colleagues will interact with someone experiencing a mental health concern at work.

10.8 million

full time workers have a substance use disorder.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call our Crisis Care Hotline at (847) 377-8088 to speak with a professional counselor. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

en_USEN