A.I.D. is a 60 to 90-minute mental health awareness training, delivered in-person or virtually, that teaches individuals how to interact effectively with someone experiencing mental distress using three steps:

• Awareness: Recognizing signs and symptoms of distress
• Interaction: Effectively interacting with someone in distress
• Direction: Locating and providing resources to individuals in distress

Other key components of this training include:

• Educating trainees on local and national mental health resources
• Practicing the A.I.D. action plan using relevant scenarios
• Reducing stigma about mental illness and substance use
• Promoting self-care

A.I.D. training is an evidence-based training developed by the Center for Public Policy and Health at Kent State University as part of the More Aware Initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is offered at Alaska Behavioral Health at no cost through the SAMHSA supported Mental Health Awareness and Training grant program.

Trainers: Kristin Oberman, Jessica Cochran