By Virginia DiOrio
In response to the growing mental health crisis, Virginia DiOrio will be hosting a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training on Monday, April 21 via Zoom. This evidence-based, skills-focused course equips individuals with the tools to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges, connecting those in need with appropriate resources and support.
With one in five Americans experiencing a mental illness, and rates of anxiety and depression rising dramatically in recent years, many individuals struggle to seek help or don’t know where to turn. Unlike physical health conditions, mental health symptoms can be harder to recognize, leaving friends and family unsure of how to step in. As a result, many people do not receive care until a crisis occurs.
Much like CPR helps bystanders assist in a cardiac emergency, Mental Health First Aid empowers participants to respond to mental health crises effectively. Through MHFA training, individuals learn a 5-step action plan that guides them in identifying and supporting someone in distress.
“Now, more than ever, we need to talk about mental health and substance use,” says Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which introduced Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. in 2008. “This program helps break down stigma, providing communities with the knowledge and confidence to support one another. Without mental health, there is no health.”
Since its introduction, over 2.5 million people across the U.S. have been certified in Mental Health First Aid, with that number growing daily.
For more information or to register for an upcoming Mental Health First Aid training, please contact Virginia DiOrio at virginiadiorio@gmail.com.
Virginia DiOrio, a seasoned educator, nurse, and substance use treatment specialist with over 30 years of experience, is passionate about equipping individuals with the skills to foster mental wellness in their communities.
