Free Mental Health First Aid Class Offered in Camp Verde on June 4

*TL;DR: MATFORCE is holding a free, eight‑hour Mental Health First Aid course in Camp Verde on June 4, 2026. Registration ends May 26.

Context Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips laypeople to recognize and respond to mental‑health crises. Randomized controlled trials involving more than 5,000 participants have shown that MHFA training improves participants’ confidence and reduces stigma, with effects persisting for at least six months. The program targets signs of mental illness and substance use, teaching non‑judgmental listening and referral skills.

Key Facts - The training runs from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Camp Verde Community Library, 130 Black Bridge Loop Road. - Attendance is free but requires advance registration; the deadline is May 26, 2026. - Interested individuals should call (928) 708‑0100 or email info@matforceaz.org to register or request details. - MATFORCE, a primary‑prevention group focused on preventing youth drug use, sponsors the event as part of its community‑outreach portfolio.

What It Means Residents gain practical tools to identify symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, or substance‑related behavior and to intervene safely. Because MHFA training has demonstrated measurable improvements in helping behavior in controlled studies, participants are more likely to connect people in crisis with professional services, potentially reducing emergency calls and hospitalizations.

Practical takeaways: 1. Register early. Slots fill quickly; the May 26 deadline is firm. 2. Prepare for a full day. The eight‑hour format includes lectures, role‑plays, and group discussions. 3. Apply skills immediately. Use the non‑judgmental listening techniques learned to support friends, family, or coworkers showing distress. 4. Share the knowledge. Trained attendees can act as informal first responders, extending the community’s capacity to address mental‑health emergencies.

The free class offers a concrete step for Camp Verde residents to bolster community resilience. Watch for follow‑up sessions later in the year as MATFORCE expands its training roster across the Verde Valley.