Mental Health First Aid and QPR

Coleman offers several different courses to members of communities across Ohio. These classes do not make you a professional, but they do help you to understand some mental health disorders and how to help someone who is experiencing symptoms.

Mental health and substance use disorders can be hard to recognize, making awareness of warning signs and risk factors essential. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education program that builds understanding, encourages early intervention, and saves lives. Like CPR, MHFA trains participants to support adults in crisis until professional help is available.

Coleman Health Services also offers Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), which is certified course designed for adults who work with young people. YMHFA is similar to the adult course, but with a special emphasis on some of the unique circumstances that young people experiencing mental health conditions or substance use disorder face.

More than 40 million Americans—one in five adults—experience a mental health condition or substance use disorder, yet over half receive no treatment, and many face both. As a result, suicide and opioid overdose have reached epidemic levels. Teens are also affected: only 30% of depressed adolescents receive care, and 20% experience depression before adulthood. Many avoid seeking help due to cost, lack of access, or stigma. Deep-rooted cultural barriers prevent people from recognizing symptoms, asking for help, or knowing how to intervene, leaving many without care until it is too late.

Coleman Health Services is also excited to offer QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training. QPR is an evidence-based program that teaches individuals how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, offer hope, and guide people to professional help. Like CPR for physical emergencies, QPR equips participants with simple, practical skills to intervene during a mental health crisis. Trainees learn how to directly ask about suicidal thoughts, listen without judgment, persuade someone to seek support, and refer them to appropriate resources. The 90-minute training increases awareness, reduces stigma, and builds confidence to act, empowering everyday people to help prevent suicide and save lives in their communities, workplaces, schools, and families.

If you are interested in taking one of our courses, either for yourself or members of your organization, or if you would like more information, please contact Coleman Health Service’s certified trainer David Shea at David.Shea@Colemanservices.org. The courses are available at no charge.

Mental Health First Aid courses are available in all Ohio counties.

Allen, Ashland, Auglaize, Belmont, Carroll, Champaign, Crawford, Darke, Fayette, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Holmes, Jefferson, Logan, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Mercer, Monroe, Paulding, Pickaway, Pike, Portage, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Van Wert, Wayne

Coleman Can Help

It’s not always easy – but support from Coleman can change everything. Learn how Coleman empowers people to change their lives.

Someone from Coleman will respond to your request within one business day.

If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 988.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.