NYCHA Hosts Mental Health First Aid Training for Residents, Staff 

A series of trainings this past summer helped prepare NYCHA resident and staff participants to be able to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis and provide support during non-crisis situations.   

Between July and September, NYCHA partnered with the NYC Health Department to offer free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) classes at community-based locations and NYCHA’s central office in Manhattan. The summer series concluded less than two weeks before World Mental Health Day was observed on October 10, highlighting mental health education, awareness, and advocacy against social stigma.  

A total of 168 NYCHA residents, staff, and community leaders participated in 11 eight-hour sessions offered across the city over two months. Eight of the in-person training sessions were held at NYCHA developments, where resident leaders helped recruit local residents to join the MHFA training program.  

The public education courses, which help attendees build mental health awareness and resilience, teach skills for identifying, understanding, and responding to challenges and crises related to mental health, as well as substance abuse. The training uses role playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect individuals to the appropriate professional, peer, or self-help care.   

The Mental Health First Aid training classes aim to help participants build mental health awareness and resilience.

Wyckoff Gardens Resident Association President Valerie Bell described the class as “very informative” and said she is looking forward to future offerings.  

“Understanding mental health is the first step toward fostering resilience and empathy,” Ms. Bell said. “Training empowers us to support ourselves and others on this journey.” 

Mill Brook Houses resident Michelle Pierce also spoke highly of her MHFA training experience. 

“It was very insightful and helped me better understand mental health for both older and younger adults,” she said. “As someone with family members who experience mental health challenges, this training has taught me how to better handle these situations.”   

New Yorkers interested in training can find an upcoming Health Department training (including sessions in Spanish and Mandarin) by visiting NYC Mental Health First Aid training registration.   

Need someone to talk to? NYC 988 is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services at any time. NYC 988 can help with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use. Visit NYC 988 online or call or text 988.  

Have a question or idea about community mental health at NYCHA? Email health.initiatives@nycha.nyc.gov.