VA NJHCS will be hosting a free Mental Health First Aid for Veterans Training from 9am to 5pm on July 20th, 2026 at the Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell Clinic in Toms River. The training is facilitated by the Mental Health Association in NJ.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges. Similar to physical first aid, it provides skills to offer initial support and connect individuals to professional help, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage recovery.

Over 4 in 10 service members and veterans experience mental health challenges, which can strain families and lead to isolation, money problems and stress at home. MHFA for Veterans teaches you how to support them with care.

The course teaches the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE). This is a set of steps you can use in any order to support someone who may be going through a tough time. The training helps take the fear or worry out of talking about mental health. When more people know how to start these conversations, more people can get the help they need.

Sign up for the MHFA for Veterans training here. Keep in mind that space is limited.