Raising compassion awareness or compassion in business and industry has long been a goal of the Foundation as our twenty-two years of service shows. We are happy to say that three of our core team leaders are now certified instructors who are able to certify others in the evidence-based approach to helping others in our organizations, communities and families. This increase in certified instructors allows us to provide more courses virtually as well as in person.

    Following our 2022 Member-Partner Meeting in Miami, FL November 8-9, we will offer an in-person course at the Royal Caribbean Port Miami Terminal A. For those who cannot attend the in-person class, we will provide a virtual course on December 7, 2022.

    Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches someone how to recognize and respond to a person who appears to be experiencing the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge. When we express care and concern through non-judgment and compassion, we’re able to choose our humanity over everything else and offer safe harbor to a friend, peer, neighbor or stranger experiencing a complex emotional moment.

    In other words, Mental Health First Aid teaches people compassion and the powerful purpose it has in the world around us. We are teaching people so they might teach others. To know someone cares … it can change your life. Perhaps even save your life. The course includes education about the most common disorders and how to recognize when someone may be going into crisis and need professional help.

    The course features several videos designed to help everyone understand more about Depression, Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress, Bi-Polar, Eating Disorders, Substance Use and Psychosis.