Sign up for free employee Mental Health First Aid training

Humans have a natural need for connection. We undergo stress when our sense of connection to others is threatened, whether that comes from mental health, substance use or other emotional challenges. Conversely, being able to connect others to help has its own rewards for individuals and employers.

Employees may receive on-the-job training in any number of work-related skills, but when colleagues, loved ones or others are experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis, few may know how to be helpful. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield now offers free Mental Health First Aid courses to Arkansas employers, helping empower employees to connect people in crisis to resources that can address their needs.  

Damona Fisher, director of brand, communications and public relations at Arkansas Blue Cross and a certified Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, said the organization began offering the Take Good Care: Mental Health First Aid initiative in 2023 as part of its 75^th anniversary to continue to support communities throughout the state.

“Our initial goal was to train 750 Arkansans in Mental Health First Aid in 2023,” she said, “But this program just took off as word of mouth grew.” Fisher said the free courses proved so overwhelmingly popular and useful, demand has continued for more than two years. Arkansas Blue Cross plans to continue offering the Mental Health First Aid course to customers and communities as part of its mission to expand access to behavioral health resources in Arkansas.

“The National Council for Mental Wellbeing (NCMW), creator of the Mental Health First Aid certification course, wants to make this training as widely available as CPR training, because we all encounter situations where people are facing behavioral challenges, situations where we can assist them in getting the help they need.”

This course is particularly helpful for those in HR, management and other leadership roles to learn how to recognize early or worsening signs of a mental health challenge, properly approach and ensure an employee gets connected to the proper help.

Creating a safe culture

According to the NCMW, almost 1 in 5 adults in the United States has a mental health or substance use disorder. Most mental health challenges and disorders come with distress and real pain, affecting a person’s ability to work and form relationships, and left untreated, can lead to other mental or physical health issues. The sooner a person gets help, the more successful the resolution or recovery.

“Even when groups have behavioral health resources available in the community or benefits like an Employee Assistance Program, substance use treatment or behavioral counseling, we know some employees still fear that asking for help from their employers might hurt them professionally,” Fisher explained. “Part of our job as leaders is noticing the signs of when our employees need help then helping our employees know where they can find help discreetly, and part of it is helping people understand it’s safe to ask for that help. This course helps address both roles while empowering people to help each other.”

Nationally developed curriculum

The Mental Health First Aid course is an intensive, one-day class led by certified MHFA instructors. The program helps participants identify when people in their lives may need extra help facing behavioral, mental or emotional challenges, and how to respond appropriately. Fisher said the class size is most effective when limited to small groups of no more than 25 participants.

She said the topics include noticing minor behavioral health challenges to knowing what to do in an emergency behavioral health crisis. Participants learn how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges, how to provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care. Topics include anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction. At the end of the class, participants receive a certificate and access to the vast resources of the Council.

“Because we keep these classes small, we end up sharing a lot with each other, knowing that the information is kept confidential and participants are in a safe space,” Fisher said. “The course is evidence-based and the concepts and strategies taught range from tactful, respectful ways to approach a coworker, family member or friend who seems to be struggling to knowing how to respond when someone is having an overdose or may be suicidal. We train people to recognize the need for help, where to find help and what to do while emergency help arrives.”

Starting a movement

The initial outreach program was a one-year joint effort of Arkansas Blue Cross and the Arkansas Rural Health Partnership. Arkansas Blue Cross has continued providing Mental Health First Aid courses, having five of its employees certified to teach the course and training more than 2,000 people across Arkansas to date.

“Having more people in organizations and communities trained on how to react sensitively, responsibly and effectively when they encounter someone having a mental health challenge or experiencing a mental health crisis can make our workplaces safer and more productive,” Fisher said. “It makes our communities better connected and supportive places for all Arkansans. Knowing how to be helpful to others is incredibly empowering and rewarding. We’re honored to be a part of this movement.”

For more information about upcoming sessions or to inquire about scheduling a private workshop for your organization, visit: https://hub.arkansasbluecross.com/take-good-care-classes/#forms. Or email MentalHealthFirstAid@arkbluecross.com.

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