Mental Health First Aid Summit Breakouts C

MHFA15 - Expanding Mental Health First Aid Beyond Traditional Settings

Sunday, April 26, 2026

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM MDT

Location: Bluebird 2C

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is most effective when it’s accessible to everyone. In our community work, we’ve trained a wide range of participants, from educators, clinicians, and veteran service providers to parents, law enforcement, faith leaders, barbers, cosmetologists, college students, and youth workers. This workshop invites instructors and coordinators to think creatively about expanding MHFA into new and non-traditional spaces. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for broadening outreach, building meaningful partnerships, and leveraging funding so MHFA can reach anyone, anywhere, and truly reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Learning Objectives:

Identify potential non-traditional and community-based settings where Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) can be delivered.
Apply strategies to engage diverse audiences—including parents, faith leaders, law enforcement, and community service providers—in MHFA training.
Evaluate opportunities to leverage partnerships and funding to expand access to MHFA across communities.

Disclosure(s):

Christiane Liza R. Highfill, MAEd - PPS: No financial relationships to disclose

Virginia A. Wimmer, MSW: No financial relationships to disclose

Suzanne L. Pearlman, MA: No financial relationships to disclose

Presenter - MHFA Summit(s)

Christiane Liza R. Highfill, MAEd - PPS

Coordinator, Prevention Programs
San Joaquin County Office of Education
Stockton, California

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Handouts
Virginia A. Wimmer, MSW

CEO
V A Wimmer Consulting, LLC
Vacaville, California

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose

Slides

Moderator - MHFA Summit(s)

Suzanne L. Pearlman, MA

MHFA National Trainer
dePearl & Associates Owner and Principal Consultant
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose