Delivering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) effectively requires more than strong facilitation skills — it requires fidelity to the curriculum. At the 2026 MHFA Summit, we’ll unpack this essential, often misunderstood component of evidence-based delivery in the breakout session Ensuring Fidelity in MHFA: Approaches and Best Practices.
We spoke with the presenters — National Council staff Chayla Lyon, senior director, client services; Kathleen Stone, director, curriculum development, research and evaluation; and Elaine Tsao, research and evaluation specialist — about why fidelity matters and what Instructors and Coordinators will gain from the conversation.
What will you be presenting on at the MHFA Summit?
CL: “We’ll be diving into fidelity and its critical role in MHFA. Our session will explore why fidelity is essential to evidence-based programs like MHFA, how the new fidelity guidelines for Instructors and Coordinators were developed, and how these principles can be applied in real-world instruction.”
Why is fidelity so important to MHFA?
KS: “Fidelity isn’t about rigidity — it’s about integrity. Without fidelity, we risk diluting the very components that make MHFA so impactful. We want attendees to understand how fidelity connects directly to MHFA’s theory of change and evidence base, and why that connection matters for communities across the country.”
How were the new fidelity guidelines developed?
ET: “The updated guidelines were shaped through a year-long process of careful review, collaboration and thoughtful feedback. They are designed to help Instructors and Coordinators clearly understand which elements of the curriculum must remain consistent, where flexibility exists and how to maintain quality while adapting to different settings. During the session, attendees will learn how these guidelines came to life and how they can use them as a tool for continuous improvement.”
Delivering Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) effectively requires more than strong facilitation skills — it requires fidelity to the curriculum.
How will your session help attendees strengthen their impact?
CL: “When Instructors and Coordinators deepen their understanding of fidelity, they gain both clarity and confidence. Knowing why certain components matter, how they connect to outcomes, and how to assess your own delivery strengthens learner engagement and leads to wider impact. Our goal is to move fidelity from an abstract concept to a practical and empowering framework.”
What’s one key takeaway you hope participants will leave with?
ET: “We hope attendees walk away recognizing that fidelity is not simply a compliance requirement — it’s a commitment to the evidence, to the model and to the communities we serve. Maintaining fidelity protects the integrity of MHFA and ensures that every training contributes to a consistent, high-quality national movement.”
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Summit?
KS: “Seeing our Instructors, colleagues and close collaborators in person! The MHFA Summit is more than a conference — it’s a gathering of leaders who believe in building confidence, connection and hope. Being together, learning together and strengthening the movement together is always the highlight.”
Ready to make an even bigger impact in your community? Join us at the 2026 MHFA Summit in Denver on Sunday, April 26, for a full day of inspiration, learning and collaboration.
