Mental Health First Aid Training

In this day-long in-person Mental Health First Aid course, held from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm with lunch provided, library employees will learn how to recognize and respond to the signs and symptoms of a mental health challenge or crisis. Mental Health First Aid is an international, evidence-based training course from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing; and it is grounded in messages of hope and recovery. This program helps break down the misinformation surrounding mental health and helps trainees understand how they can play a role in the “first response” to mental health issues. Trainees are taught how to use a five-step action plan (ALGEE) to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge:

• Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm, assist
• Listen nonjudgmentally
• Give reassurance and information
• Encourage appropriate professional help
• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

This workshop will be led by Michigan State University (MSU) Extension’s Lisa Tams, LMSW, ACSW and our own Sheila Dantzler. Lisa is a Master’s level licensed and accredited clinical social worker with 30 years post-grad experience working in the areas of maternal and child health, human development, behavioral health and health research; and she is an experienced Mental Health First Aid educator. Sheila is the Operations Manager for Fulfillment Services, Documentation and Training for the University of Michigan Library; and she has recently been certified in the Mental Health First Aid curriculum.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat/ to speak with a crisis counselor.

This training supports the Library’s programmatic safety learning outcomes.
Registration is required by August 20, 2026 – in order for you to have input regarding your lunch options.  Or by August 24 without lunch input.  Thank you!