FREE Mental Health First Aid Training
Progressive Center for Independent Living is proud to expand access to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in Mercer and Hunterdon County, NJ through the Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) Grant. This grant allows us to provide free training opportunities for first responders, healthcare providers, social workers, and municipal employees, with a strong focus on disability inclusion.
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Participants will learn to recognize the signs of mental health challenges, respond effectively, and connect individuals to the right support — skills that are essential in schools, hospitals, emergency services, and community programs. By making this training accessible at no cost, the IHC Grant helps create safer, more inclusive communities for people with disabilities across New Jersey.
Who Qualifies for the
Free Training?
Through the Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) Grant, Progressive Center for Independent Living is able to provide free Mental Health First Aid training in Mercer and Hunterdon County, NJ. These opportunities are designed to reach professionals and agencies who have the greatest impact on community health and safety, including:
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First Responders – police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who are often first on the scene during a crisis.
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Healthcare Providers – nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals who support patients and families every day.
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Social Workers & Counselors – those who connect individuals to resources and provide direct care in times of need.
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Municipal Employees – local government staff who shape and deliver public programs that should be accessible to all, including people with disabilities.
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By targeting these key groups, the grant ensures that mental health support is more inclusive, accessible, and responsive across New Jersey communities.
Why This Opportunity Matters.
1 / No-Cost Training
Thanks to the Inclusive Health Communities Grand funding, eligible participants can attend Mental Health First Aid courses in New Jersey at no cost. Removing financial barriers allows more teachers, first responders, social workers, and healthcare providers to access this nationally recognized program. Free training means more professionals can participate, multiplying the impact across schools, workplaces, and communities.
2 / Practical Crisis Response Skills
Mental health crises can happen anywhere — in classrooms, emergency calls, hospitals, or community centers. This course goes beyond theory, offering hands-on strategies to recognize signs of mental health challenges, respond effectively, and guide individuals to appropriate resources. These practical skills are especially critical for professionals who are often the first point of contact in times of need.
3 / Stronger Communities
The ultimate benefit of this grant-funded training is its ripple effect. With more people trained, communities across Mercer and Hunterdon County, NJ become better equipped to support individuals in crisis, reduce stigma, and foster environments where mental wellness is prioritized. The result is safer schools, healthier workplaces, and neighborhoods where everyone — including people with disabilities — can thrive.
4 / National Certification
Upon successful completion of the full-day training, participants earn a three-year certification as a Mental Health First Aider, recognized across the United States. This credential demonstrates a commitment to supporting mental health in both personal and professional settings, and can be a valuable addition for schools, agencies, and organizations seeking staff development and continuing education.
Don't Miss This Opportunity
The Inclusive Healthy Communities Grant makes it possible for first responders, healthcare providers, social workers, and municipal employees to access free Mental Health First Aid training in Mercer and Hunterdon County, NJ. This is your chance to gain a nationally recognized certification, strengthen your professional skills, and help build a more inclusive community for people with disabilities.