Did you know? One in five people in the U.S. — that’s approximately 43.8 million people — experiences a mental health challenge in any given year. This means that someone you know may be struggling right now.
Since 2008, we have taught more than 4 million people how to help others in need and take care of their own mental wellbeing through Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), an evidence-based training program. Every day across the country, MHFA strengthens communities, increases mental health literacy and changes lives. With your support, we can do more.
Whether it’s by helping a neighbor, advocating for a cause or donating to charity, you can make a difference. This year, we invite you to give the gift of MHFA.
When you donate to MHFA, you’ll help train people from all walks of life — teachers, students, health care workers, parents, first responders and community leaders — to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health struggles and offer immediate help. When more people are trained in MHFA, we create a ripple effect of support that will impact your community.
Imagine a world where everyone knows how to respond when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. MHFA is helping to build that world. With your support, we can create a future where mental health literacy is a standard part of every community. MHFA training provides the knowledge and tools necessary to foster a culture of understanding and care that impacts schools, workplaces and family homes. Your contribution helps fund training for those who might not otherwise have access, ensuring that mental health support reaches everyone, everywhere.
Here’s how your gift helps:
“A dear friend’s tragic loss following his son’s death by suicide two years prior deeply impacted me. This led to organizing events with mental health professionals, creating open dialogue and understanding within our community. I became certified in MHFA to break down stigma and raise awareness, in hopes of creating a more supportive community where mental health gets the same attention as physical health.”
— Jian Xie, Adult Mental Health First Aid
“My motivation to become certified stemmed from a deep awareness of the significant gap in mental health instruction and support within our communities. Despite the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health, there remains a considerable lack of accessible education and resources for effectively addressing mental health challenges. This void often leaves individuals struggling in silence, unsure of where to turn for help. By becoming a Mental Health First Aider, I aim to fill this void by gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to make a tangible difference. I wanted to be part of the solution, contributing to a culture where mental health is treated with the same urgency and care as physical health. My certification enables me to confidently step in during critical moments, offering the initial support that can make a profound impact on someone’s mental wellbeing.”
— Bill Watkins, teen Mental Health First Aid
“I am passionate about mental health and helping people. After suffering in silence with my own mental health growing up, I decided to educate myself on it, and I went on to get my psychology degree. I wanted people to know that they are not alone. A few years ago, I heard about MHFA and I decided to get certified in Adult and Youth MHFA. I learned so much and met some great people during my training. I am now a certified mental health coach, and I love helping people. It’s so important to break the stigma of mental health and let people know it’s OK to ask for help.”
— Lacey Freeman, Adult Mental Health First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid
“Life circumstances, my experiences with anxiety and depression, and my personal suicide attempt led me to work in mental health. When I found out about MHFA, I just knew I had to get certified as an Instructor. I have four children and six grandchildren, and youth mental health is incredibly important to me. If even one life is saved through this training, it’s worth it. I am honored to be part of a community striving to make a positive impact on mental health.”
— Christian Frazier, Youth Mental Health First Aid
When you donate to MHFA, you’re helping train people who go on to make a meaningful difference. Their impact is real, and often life-changing, and it helps create more of these stories of compassion, care and intervention at the right moment.
Your donation is more than just an act of generosity, it’s an investment in mental wellbeing. And did you know that your donation could be tax-deductible? As long as you give to a qualified nonprofit organization like MHFA USA, your contribution can help lower your taxable income for this year, giving you an additional reward for your generosity.
Every donation counts. Whether it’s $25 or $250, your gift today will help. Together, we can build a future where mental health support is available for everyone. Donate today!
Can’t make a financial donation? No problem! Here are other meaningful ways you can support MHFA:
