Talking about mental illness and addiction in the workplace can be taboo, so many people just don’t – until the problem becomes so serious that it interferes with a person’s ability to do their job. We're trying to change that unhealthy pattern one NJ workplace at a time with Mental Health First Aid, an easy-to-do 8-hour training that empowers New Jersey businesses to support people dealing with mental illness and addiction. Just as CPR training helps a lay person assist someone having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid gives people skills to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. In both situations, the goal is to support the person until appropriate help is available. First Aiders learn a simple 5-step strategy that includes assessing risk, listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, providing encouragement and resources, and identifying the level of care the person needs. They learn risk factors and warning signs, gain understanding of the impact of mental illness, and hear about evidence-supported treatment and self-help strategies. Peer reviewed studies from across the globe demonstrate that the training builds mental health literacy, increases the likelihood that people will offer help, improves the mental health of the person trained and reduces stigma and social distance. Further testament to the training's effectiveness and value are the 1 million who have been trained nationally, including many school nurses, librarians, first responders, child welfare workers, lawyers, probation officers, YMCA staff, college faculty and corporate executives whose employers have invested in Mental Health First Aid. To bring this training that has the power to change lives to your organization, contact us today at mentalhealthfirstaid@mhanj.org.