From pastors and professors to claims adjusters and airline employees, a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training program offered by Texas Health Resources is helping North Texans better respond to their neighbors in crisis. The national course, introduced locally in November 2021, is offered monthly and has certified more than 550 individuals as Mental Health First Aiders.

When we think of first aid, the first things that come to mind are usually CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, or tending to an injury. While it is important to know how to respond when someone has a physical emergency, knowing what to do in the case of a mental health crisis can also be potentially lifesaving. 

Imagine a friend or colleague is experiencing a panic attack, reacting to a traumatic event, or dealing with a substance use disorder. What should you say? How can you help?