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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Just like regular First Aid and CPR teach life-saving skills to help someone with a medical emergency, Mental Health First Aid teaches everyday people how to recognize, understand, and respond to a mental health or substance abuse challenge or crisis.

In Chester County, this evidence-based public health course is offered to adults at no cost. Upon completion of the program, participants receive a national certification. Register for a course and join the more than 3 million Americans who have become Mental Health First Aiders!

• Common signs and symptoms

• How to notice when someone is struggling

• The significant impact of trauma

• How to interact and assist a person in crisis

• How to connect a person to appropriate help

• Self-care for the Mental Health Firs Aider

Find a MHFA Class

Amanda Blue

Amanda Blue is a dedicated public health leader specializing in suicide prevention, mental health education, and community outreach. In her role at the David Farber ASPIRE Center, she provides leadership in the development, planning, and implementation of educational initiatives for professionals and community members. She also oversees promotion and programming efforts, including the Center’s annual Suicide Prevention Symposium.

As a survivor of suicide loss, Amanda brings personal passion and deep commitment to prevention and education efforts. She has served as Executive Director of Prevent Suicide PA and as Chair of the Chester County Suicide Prevention Task Force, where she advanced collaborative strategies to reduce stigma and save lives. In addition, she continues to direct the Mental Health First Aid public health program across Chester County in partnership with the Chester County Office of Mental Health.

Amanda earned her Master of Public Health degree from West Chester University, where she founded a successful Mental Health First Aid program which established an endowed scholarship to support future students in the College of Health Sciences where she served as Outreach Manager for a decade. In recognition of her leadership and advocacy, Amanda was honored as the American Association of Suicidology’s Loss Survivor of the Year in 2024.