What would you do if a friend, coworker, student, family member, or neighbor was struggling with their mental health?
For many people, the honest answer is, “I’m not sure.”
That’s exactly why the Hope Council is bringing Mental Health First Aid to Kenosha County.
This fall, we’re offering free, nationally certified Mental Health First Aid training to community members who want to make a difference. Thanks to funding from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, participants can receive this valuable training at no cost.
Mental Health Challenges Touch Every Community
One in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition each year. Yet the first person to notice someone struggling usually isn’t a therapist or counselor. More often, it’s a teacher who notices a student withdrawing, a manager who sees changes in an employee, a coach who senses something isn’t right, or a friend who recognizes that someone they care about needs help.
Mental Health First Aid gives everyday people the tools to respond with confidence, compassion, and practical support.
Like CPR teaches you what to do during a medical emergency, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use challenge, start a supportive conversation, and connect someone with appropriate resources before a crisis develops.
Help Build a Stronger Kenosha County
For those who want to take the next step, Hope Council will also offer a fully funded Train-the-Trainer program later this fall. Participants who complete the Foundations course may apply to become certified Mental Health First Aid instructors, allowing them to bring this life-changing training to their own schools, businesses, organizations, and faith communities.
By investing in local instructors, we’re creating a sustainable network of Mental Health First Aiders who will continue strengthening Kenosha County for years to come.
A Message from Our Executive Director
“We often hear people say, ‘I wish I’d known what to do,'” said Michelle Sandberg, SAC-IT, IDP-AT, Executive Director of Hope Council. “Mental Health First Aid gives people the confidence to step in with compassion instead of uncertainty. By training everyday community members, not just healthcare professionals, we’re creating a stronger network of people across Kenosha County who know how to recognize when someone is struggling, offer support without judgment, and connect them to the resources they need. That’s how we build healthier families, stronger workplaces, and a more resilient community.”
