AdventHealth partnered with Safe and Sound Hillsborough to offer the Mental Health First Aid Program free of charge to individuals and organizations across its seven-county service area in West Florida. From 2023 to 2024, the program trained 253 participants across 13 classes, with 91.5% of attendees feeling confident approaching someone experiencing a mental health challenge. The program aims to reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and provide tools to help connect people with mental health needs to appropriate resources. 

Why we did it

Florida has a high incidence of mental health challenges and suicide. In 2021 alone, over 2.8 million adults reported suffering from mental health conditions, and more than 3,000 Floridians died by suicide. This program addresses the critical need for community-level education and intervention to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and ensure timely access to care.

Topics: Behavioral Health|Mental Health Care