Faculty at Penn State Shenango is accepting registration for free Mental Health First Aid training for community members in June.

The skills-based course aims to equip participants with the ability to identify, understand, and respond to individuals who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. It also focuses on connecting them with appropriate support and resources. The training will take place on June 10, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in room 108 of Sharon Hall on the Shenango campus.

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, a significant portion of the U.S. adult population experiences mental illness. Faculty members noted that the pandemic has increased instances of depression and anxiety. They added that symptoms of mental health and substance use issues can be difficult to recognize, making it challenging for friends and family to intervene effectively.

Tammy Divens, a teaching professor in Penn State Shenango’s occupational therapy assistant program and a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, stated the training is timely due to an increasing need for mental health awareness and support. She said it provides professionals and community members with the necessary knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, encourage community support, and foster hope.

The training will use a blended format, with an online portion covering foundational knowledge followed by an in-person session with certified instructors. The live session will concentrate on real-life scenarios, skill development, and discussions to reinforce online learning.

Roxanne Atterholt, an associate teaching professor of human development and family studies and a Mental Health First Aid instructor, noted that this type of training is becoming increasingly important in various fields for safety and for creating supportive workplaces.

Registration for the training session is limited to 30 participants. Interested individuals can register by emailing Atterholt at [email protected].

The training, open to all community members, is relevant for those in human services, clinical settings, education, first response, healthcare, human resources, and customer or social service roles. Funding is provided by Penn State Shenango’s Kathleen and John Mastrian Community Health Impact Fund.

Atterholt emphasized that the training helps remove a barrier to accessing mental health resources, enabling more people to become supportive helpers within their communities.