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

*TL;DR: MATFORCE is providing a free, 8‑hour Mental Health First Aid class in Camp Verde on June 4, 2026. Registration closes May 26.

Context Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) equips laypeople to recognize and respond to mental‑health crises. Randomized controlled trials involving more than 1,200 participants have shown that MHFA training improves confidence and reduces stigma, though the studies measure outcomes only up to six months after the course.

Key Facts - The session runs Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Camp Verde Community Library, 130 Black Bridge Loop Road. - The program is free and open to any resident who wishes to learn how to identify signs of mental illness or substance‑use disorders, practice non‑judgmental listening, and connect individuals to professional help. - Advance registration is required; the deadline is May 26, 2026. Interested participants can register by calling (928) 708‑0100 or emailing info@matforceaz.org. - MATFORCE, a primary‑prevention group focused on preventing youth drug use, sponsors the training as part of its broader community‑health outreach.

What It Means Residents gain practical skills that research links to earlier intervention and reduced escalation of mental‑health emergencies. Because the training emphasizes observable behaviors rather than diagnostic labels, participants can act without overstepping professional boundaries. The free format removes cost barriers, potentially increasing community resilience in the Verde Valley.

Practical Takeaways 1. Register before May 26 to secure a spot; spaces are limited. 2. Arrive prepared to engage in role‑play scenarios that simulate real‑world crises. 3. After the class, apply the ALGEE action plan (Assess, Listen, Give reassurance, Encourage professional help, Encourage self‑help) when you encounter someone in distress.

What to Watch Next MATFORCE plans to evaluate participant outcomes through a follow‑up survey later in 2026, which will indicate whether the training translates into measurable community‑level benefits.