Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a crucial training program that equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or struggling with mental health challenges. Similar to traditional first aid training for physical health emergencies, MHFA focuses on promoting mental health literacy and teaching participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness. By educating individuals about common mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders, MHFA aims to reduce stigma and create a more compassionate society. This comprehensive training program empowers participants to offer immediate assistance and connect individuals in distress to appropriate professional help, ultimately fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where mental health is prioritized and cared for just as much as physical well-being.

  •   Topics Covered – depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis, substance use disorders
  •   Training Overview – common signs and symptoms of mental illness, how to interact with a person in crisis, how to connect the person with help, expanded content on trauma, addiction, and self-care

Registration

YSU offers training for members of the campus community. Students, faculty, and staff can register themselves for training individually or as part of a larger group. For instance, an organization or department can register to train up to 30 participants at a time. Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@ysu.edu for more information on registration.

Mental Health First Aid Instructors

  • Ian Theiss, Manager, Campus Technology Support

  • Lorraine Hollabaugh, Executive Assistant, Division of Student Affairs and Office of the Dean of Students

  • Olivia Cupp, Director, Housing & Residence Life

  • Sallee Herbert, Business Operations Specialist 2, Kilcawley Center

  • Madison Jerome, Title IX Coordinator

  • Emily Mulkey, Licensed Athletic Trainer

  • Carrie Miller, Success Coordinator, First Year Student Services

  • Cindi Bruce, Director of Undergraduate Advising, Bitonte College of Health and Human Services

  • Taylor Blandine, Athletic Academic Advisor

  • Chelsea Wolfe, Officer, Youngstown State University Police Department

  • Allie Adler, Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students

  • Stephanie Baker, Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students

  • Lauren Missik, Coordinator, Community Standards & Student Conduct

  • Julie Seitz, Director, Dual Enrollment and Student Support Services, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

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