Do you want to learn valuable skills to help identify and understand mental health and substance abuse challenges among adolescents and/or adults, as well as how to offer vital support to those in need? 

The Breaking Through Task Force of Dare County, partnering with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, is offering a series of both Youth Mental Health First Aid and Adult Mental Health First Aid virtual courses for interested adults who seek to make a difference in the lives of others. These virtual courses will be offered periodically beginning now through May of 2026 and are free of charge. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) participants will learn key skills needed to confidently and effectively respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder in both young people. 

“In today’s world, Mental Health First Aiders are so important in ensuring that those who need it get the support and help they need during difficult times,” said certified Adult and Youth MHFA instructor Kelly Fleming, who is The Breaking Through Task Force co-chair and Dare County Department of Health & Human Services Health Education & Outreach Supervisor. “During this course, participants will learn how to use a proven five-step action plan that can help them to identify and safely respond to potential mental health challenges.”

Created in 2001 in Australia, Mental Health First Aid has been available in the United States since 2008. Mental Health First Aid USA is operated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health. 

Mental Health First Aid participants must live, work, or worship in Dare County to participate in this training. It is recommended that course participants have a computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers. Two hours of pre-course work is required. Registration is also required. 

Adult MHFA classes will be held on the following dates:

• September 2 & 3, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

• November 26, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• January 13 & 14, 2026 | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

• March 13, 2026 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• May 7 & 8, 2026 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Youth MHFA classes will be held on the following dates: 

• August 21 & 22, 2025 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

• October 17, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• February 9 & 10, 2026 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

• April 6 & 7, 2026 | 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

• June 9 & 10, 2026 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

For more information about the upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid courses, please contact Michelle Wagner at michelle.wagner@darenc.gov. To register for a Youth Mental Health First Aid course: click here. For more information about the upcoming Adult Mental Health First Aid courses, contact Kelly Fleming at kelly.fleming@darenc.gov. To register for an Adult Mental Health First Aid course: click here.