Mental Health First Aid Classes Coming to Kirkland

Published on February 27, 2025

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Media Contact:
Angela Brown
Communications Coordinator – Community Safety
abrown@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3017

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Mental health challenges are common, but many people don’t feel equipped to help. That’s where Mental Health First Aid training comes in. Just as CPR training prepares people without medical backgrounds to help someone who is having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid trains people to help someone who is at risk of developing a mental health problem or who is going through a mental health crisis.

The City of Kirkland is partnering with Valley Cities to offer two free Mental Health First Aid classes to help community members recognize and respond to signs of a mental health crisis. The classes will be held at the Kirkland Justice Center – Totem Lake Room, 11750 NE 118th ST, Kirkland, and are open to individuals who live or work in King County. Currently, two classes are scheduled:

• Adult Mental Health First Aid: March 21, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid: March 28, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Taught by certified instructors, Mental Health First Aid training is an interactive course that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health issues and emphasizes that recovery is possible. Participants are taught a five-step action plan to assist someone experiencing a crisis and connect them to appropriate professional care.

“First responders, including community responders, play a critical role in crisis situations, but community members are often the first to notice when someone is struggling,” said Councilmember Neal Black. “Mental Health First Aid training ensures more people in our community can recognize the signs of a mental health crisis and take helpful action, including knowing the number to call for help.”

Registration is required and space is limited. To learn more and sign up for the adult Mental Health First Aid class, visit the March 21 Eventbrite registration page. To sign up for the youth Mental Health First Aid class, visit the March 28 Eventbrite registration page.

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