County leaders have told NACo they fear an upcoming “second pandemic” pertaining to COVID-19-related mental health issues that communities are not prepared to face.

To help tackle the coming challenges, NACo has partnered with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to promote the Mental Health First Aid program to help counties deal with mental health challenges in their communities.

Originally created in Australia in 2001 and adapted for use in the United States, the Mental Health First Aid training program educates participants on how to recognize mental illness symptoms and signs of substance use, how to discuss these complicated issues in the workplace and how to fight back against the stigma around mental illness and seeking help.

Learn more about the NACo Mental Health First Aid Program here.