Professionals, agencies, and organizations who work with farmers and families of farmers are invited to attend a free Mental Health First Aid Training being offered by the UOG Farmer Focus Program under University of Guam Land Grant. This free full-day training will teach participants how to recognize, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders.

The training will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, in Room 104 of UOG’s Agriculture & Life Science Building.

Similar to physical first aid, mental health first aid prepares everyday individuals to provide immediate, hopefully life-saving assistance before professional medical help arrives. The training will be facilitated by KristiAnna Whitman, a licensed professional counselor and mental health educator with a doctorate in counselor education and supervision.

The course is designed to equip individuals with the tools and skills needed to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or challenge. The curriculum emphasizes early intervention and awareness, helping participants build confidence in addressing mental health concerns in a safe, informed, and compassionate manner.

“This training provides important skills that can help save lives and strengthen support systems within our island community,” said Kuan-Ju Chen, an agricultural economist with the UOG Land Grant and project director of the UOG Farmer Focus Program.

Registration for the training is free and available to adults over the age of 18 at https://url.uog.edu/mhfa-training. Lunch will be provided. All interested participants are encouraged to sign up early as seating is limited. For more information, please contact Devin Santos at santosd15571@triton.uog.edu.