Mental Health First Aiders Save Lives! Join Challenge 2027
Challenge 2027
Montgomery Goes Purple’s mission is to reduce mental health and substance use related harms and fatalities. As founder, I am challenging myself to train and certify 2,027 people in Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) during my next trip around the sun, July 22, 2026, and July 22, 2027.
To help meet this challenge, you can:
- To ensure that every person who needs or wants this invaluable training can access it, please consider contributing to Montgomery Goes Purple, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, at https://montgomerygoespurple.org/Donate
- Ask about training for groups near and dear to you! That may be coworkers, community groups, scouts, book clubs, church groups, running clubs, family members, etc. The more people we train, the more likely it is that someone will notice if you or a loved one is experiencing a challenge and know what to do to help. Virtual and in-person classes offered. Email: info@MontgomeryGoesPurple.org
Youth MHFA is an evidence based educational program that teaches adults how to help young people, ages 6–18, who are experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. The program is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, such as parents, teachers, caregivers, and school staff. YMHFA aims to help adults recognize warning signs and risk factors of mental health concerns, such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. It also teaches adults how to help youth in crisis situations, such as suicide, by using a five-step action plan. YMHFA emphasizes the importance of early intervention and reducing stigma.
Adult Mental Health First Aid is a comparable program with practice scenarios and information focused on those over the age of 18.
The MHFA tool is based on extensive research and is described as "a range of studies, including randomized controlled trials, have shown that Mental Health First Aid training improves knowledge, reduces stigmatizing attitudes, and increases first aid actions toward people with mental health problems and challenges." Certifications are good for three (3) years.
For more information about MHFA, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
