Lake County Health Department Seeks Instructors for Mental Health First Aid

The Lake County Health Department is actively recruiting individuals to become instructors for the Mental Health First Aid USA program. This initiative aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and equip community members with essential skills to assist those facing mental health crises.

Approved candidates will participate in a three-day training session scheduled for January 28-30, 2026, at the department’s facility located at 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan. Chris Hoff, the executive director of the Lake County Health Department, emphasized the importance of this training, stating, “It is an unfortunate truth that depression and anxiety are common in the United States. Through Mental Health First Aid, we are equipping our community to readily help those experiencing a mental health crisis.”

The instructor training, typically priced at $2,000, is being offered at no cost to qualified applicants. In return, participants agree to conduct three eight-hour Mental Health First Aid classes in 2026.

Candidates interested in applying must demonstrate empathy towards individuals with behavioral health challenges and possess a strong desire to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Furthermore, applicants should have a general understanding of mental health and substance use issues, experience in teaching adults and facilitating groups, and knowledge of best practices in adult learning.

To apply, interested individuals can visit www.mentalhealth.today/instructor or email [email protected]. The application deadline is set for December 12, 2025.

Expanded Training Initiatives through Strategic Funding

In 2021, the Lake County Health Department received a five-year grant extension from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding aims to enhance and expand the department’s Mental Health First Aid training programs.

As a result of this initiative, the Health Department is set to train 80 individuals to become instructors. These newly certified instructors will, in turn, train approximately 1,440 community members, significantly bolstering the community’s capacity to respond to mental health crises.

The push for qualified instructors reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in public health discussions. By fostering a knowledgeable community, the Lake County Health Department aims to create an environment where individuals feel supported and understood during challenging times.