Penn State Shenango offers free Mental Health First Aid training

Penn State Shenango is responding to the growing mental health crisis in the United States by offering free Mental Health First Aid training to community members. This training session will take place on Tuesday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Sharon Hall room 108 on the Penn State Shenango campus.

The Mental Health First Aid course equips participants with the necessary skills to identify, understand, and assist individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. The course emphasizes connecting those in need with appropriate resources and support. According to data from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, 20% of Americans experience mental illness, while the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated issues related to depression and anxiety. Many individuals facing these challenges often hesitate to seek help or lack information about available resources.

Detecting symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders can be more complex than identifying physical ailments, making it difficult for friends and family to recognize when intervention is necessary. Consequently, many individuals do not receive the mental health services they need until their conditions worsen.

Tammy Divens, a teaching professor in the occupational therapy assistant program at Penn State Shenango and a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, emphasized the importance of this training: “It empowers both professionals and community members with the knowledge and tools needed to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Our intent is to encourage the community and bring hope.”

The training will adopt a blended format, combining an online component with an in-person session on June 10. Participants will first complete the online section, which covers foundational topics. The live session will focus on practical scenarios, skill-building exercises, and guided discussions to reinforce learning. This format allows participants to learn at their own pace before engaging in interactive discussions.

Roxanne Atterholt, an Associate Teaching Professor in Human Development and Family Studies and another Mental Health First Aid instructor, noted that similar training is becoming increasingly essential across various professions. She stated, “In many fields, this kind of training is becoming essential not just for safety, but for creating supportive, healthy workplaces.”

Registration for the Mental Health First Aid training is limited to 30 participants. Interested individuals can reserve their spot by emailing Atterholt at rxa32@psu.edu. The training is open to all community members and is particularly beneficial for those working in human services, healthcare, education, first response, human resources, and social services.

Funding for the training sessions for both instructors and participants is provided by Penn State Shenango’s Kathleen and John Mastrian Community Health Impact Fund. Atterholt remarked, “Mental health resources are often out of reach for so many people. Offering this training for free removes a barrier and opens the door for more people to step up as helpers in their communities.”