Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based international program that is run in Canada by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Pacific Blue Cross is the only health insurance carrier to offer this training to benefit plan sponsors and unions.

Those who complete the Mental Health First Aid training are more confident in addressing mental health issues as well as providing comfort to an impacted staff member. The program teaches participants how to recognize a change in employee behaviour, engage them in a meaningful conversation about it, and provide guidance to appropriate resources and support.

The program focuses on the four most common mental health conditions—depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use issues—and touches on psychosis, gambling problems, and eating disorders. It can also help identify common workplace concerns related to declining mental wellbeing including burnout, disengagement, presenteeism, stress, and being overwhelmed.

Simply having the ability to recognize and assist impacted employees in a safe and discreet way is a big step forward. In addition, the Mental Health First Aid training has an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion integrated into its curriculum, which helps employers and unions destigmatize the need for mental health assistance.

​Employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of their workplace. Preventing mental health injury and working to reduce and address hazards that may impact mental wellbeing are also part of this important work. In addition, employers have a duty to accommodate for mental health illnesses and concerns, and employees should be protected from any related harassment or discrimination. The National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, notes Mental Health First Aid training as an action employers can take during implementation of the Standard to promote a healthy and safe workplace. All in all, Mental Health First Aid can help set your organization up for success!

Mental Health First Aid has been proven to be effective in Canada, and the research mirrored findings from Australia and other international locations. It is also noted as a best practice by the Public Health Agency of Canada. Here is the evidence.

Anyone can attend the training, but it’s most relevant for those roles that are most likely going to have the conversations, such as front line managers, people leaders, supervisors, members of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, union representatives, and other leadership roles within the organization. We can help you narrow this down for your organization if you’d prefer.

Employers and/or unions are charged a per participant fee for the training. Please talk to your Account Executive for further information or to arrange training for members of your workforce.

The Mental Health First Aid training is offered virtually and in-person, subject to COVID-19 public health and safety protocols.

The virtual program consists of a two-hour pre-work component and six hours of Zoom classroom time spread over two days, for a total of eight hours of learning. In-person training is a full 16 hours of classroom time over two days.

To ensure participants get a nice balance of peer discussion and facilitator time, we limit the virtual sessions to 15 people.

Mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, have risen significantly since COVID-19 began and there’s a great deal of evidence to suggest that we are facing a long road ahead before we all get back to pre-pandemic normal.

You know us. Our mission is to improve health and wellbeing for British Columbians, and we are always looking for ways we can tailor services to the BC marketplace. Plus, our Health & Wellness team will provide follow-up support to participants, which helps to take some of the guesswork and administrative burden out of integrating this type of initiative in your organization.

Go to the Mental Health First Aid Canada website.