MCOE is committed to supporting schools, students, and families with resources to address mental health and suicide prevention. We recognize educators, families, and communities' critical role in creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive. To support these efforts, we offer free, facilitated online training in Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention (1.5 hours), Mental Health First Aid (5 hours) focused on youth and adults, as well as Awareness, Interaction, Direction (A.I.D.) (1.5 hours) training, year-round. Click on a training date below to register for an upcoming QPR, MHFA, or AID course.
Question, Persuade, Refer
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training equips individuals with the tools to recognize and respond to warning signs of suicide, empowering them to save lives. Participants will learn how to offer hope, refer help, and save a life in just one hour. Like CPR, QPR is a simple, effective intervention that anyone can learn to prevent a potential tragedy and make a difference in their community. Whether you're a parent, teacher, colleague, or friend, this training helps you build the confidence and skills to act when it matters most.
Sign up for a free 1.5-hour online QPR training course facilitated by MCOE mental health professionals. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training. Click on a date to register:
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program designed to help individuals recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges or substance use disorders. Much like physical first aid, MHFA equips participants with the knowledge and skills to provide initial support and connect someone in need to appropriate resources.
MHFA is transforming communities by reducing stigma and fostering support. Participants include teachers, first responders, veterans, parents, and everyday neighbors committed to creating healthier, safer spaces for everyone.
Sign up for a free 5-hour MHFA online training course facilitated by MCOE mental health professionals. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training. Click on a date to register:
- September 16-17, 2025 (youth)
- October 18, 2025 (youth)
- December 18-19 (adult): reg link coming soon
Awareness, Interaction, Direction (A.I.D.)
Awareness. Interaction. Direction. (A.I.D.) is a 90-minute virtual mental health awareness training that equips individuals with the information and skills to be a champion for mental health in their communities. A.I.D. training emphasizes a course of action that helps identify a person experiencing mental distress and connect them with necessary resources and care. Participants will learn about signs and symptoms, the role of stigma, and steps to provide support for those who may be struggling with mental health.
Training Details:
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training. This training is free. Training topics include learning to recognize and approach someone in distress, understanding key mental health terminology and ways to reduce stigma, using the A.I.D. Action Plan, and emphasizing the importance of self-care.
Sign up for a free 1.5-hour online Awareness. Interaction. Direction. (A.I.D.) training course facilitated by MCOE mental health professionals. The Zoom link will be sent to registrants prior to the training. Click on a date to register:
- Tuesday, August 19
- Saturday, August 30
- Wednesday, September 3
- Tuesday, October 14
- Tuesday, November 11
- Wednesday, December 17
About A.I.D. Training:
A.I.D. training was developed by faculty and staff at Kent State University’s Center for Public Policy and Health (CPPH) through a federal Mental Health Awareness Training grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Questions? Need help registering? Contact our Mental Health Awareness team here: MHFA@mcoe.us.