CITY OF ALEXANDRIA OFFERING MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID CERTIFICATION ONLINE IN 2023 

October 31, 2023: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training teaches how to support a person showing signs of a mental health crisis. City of Alexandria residents and employees can complete the two-session eight-hour course virtually to earn a MHFA certification. Sessions will be held on November 13 and 14, and on December 13 and 14. 

The course teaches risk factors, warning signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders; the effects of the illnesses and an overview of treatments; and a five-step action plan for helping someone with symptoms. 

This training does not prepare someone to diagnose or provide treatment. It is designed to help paraprofessionals and laypersons provide support until an individual is linked to professional resources. MHFA is not recommended for licensed mental health providers. 

Registration is open until filled. Visit alexandriava.gov/DCHS to register. To learn more about MHFA, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.