Local nonprofit to host trainings to help Born This Way Foundation and The National Council for Behavioral Health reach goal in conjunction with Mohegan Sun concerts

Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) will host free Mental Health First Aid Trainings in support of the National Council for Behavioral Health and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation’s commitment to train 150,000 people in the program by the end of the year. The trainings will coincide with Lady Gaga’s Joanne World Tour performances in Connecticut during Veteran’s Day weekend in November.

Free Mental Health First Aid trainings will be held at Mohegan Sun on November 11 from 8:00am-5:00pm ahead of Lady Gaga’s performance that night. Trainings will also take place at UConn Storrs Campus on November 10 & 17 (1:30-5:30pm) and New Milford Public Library on November 12 & 19 (1:00-5:00pm). Register online: https://www.mhconn.org/education/mental-health-first-aid

Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid’s 8-hour certificate training provides community members with tools to recognize the signs and symptoms of a developing mental health problem or respond to someone who is in crisis. Certified “First Aiders” receive concrete tools and a list of resources, often becoming an important bridge to care for their friends, family, and community.

“We need to demystify and destigmatize mental health and that has to start with more honest conversations and with better access to practical resources. Mental Health First Aid Training exemplifies that approach,” said Cynthia Germanotta, president and co-founder of Born This Way Foundation. “That’s why we’re teaming up with the National Council for Behavioral Health to equip tens of thousands of people with the tools they need to support the mental health of their family, friends and community. Everyone should have the knowledge to act when they see someone in crisis.”

“We are thrilled that Lady Gaga and Born This Way Foundation are promoting Mental Health First Aid, and that we’re able to provide trainings in conjunction with her Connecticut performances. This program is for anyone ready to fight stigma and help save lives,” Luis Pérez, President & CEO of Mental Health Connecticut.

MHC has trained over 1,000 residents in Litchfield County in Mental Health First Aid over the past two years. During Lady Gaga’s Veteran’s Day weekend Connecticut stop alone, MHC’s goal is to help train over 100 Connecticut residents in Mental Health First Aid.

The trainings at Mohegan Sun are sponsored by KÔTA, a Mohegan LDI Enterprise, while the training held at UConn is sponsored by Sigma Theta Alpha, the co-ed professional health fraternity.

Mental Health First Aid is provided by The National Council for Behavioral Health, a partner for Born This Way. Available in the US for nearly ten years through the National Council for Behavioral Health, over 1 million First Aiders have been trained to date. MHC is funded through a grant from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to offer Mental Health First Aid in Litchfield County and also self-funds the program throughout the state.

About Mental Health Connecticut
Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) is a statewide, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve mental health for all Connecticut residents. Through advocacy, community education, and care support services, MHC works to improve mental health services, promote recovery for people with mental health conditions, educate the community about the importance of mental wellness, and combat discrimination resulting from a mental health diagnosis.