Impact of mental health first aid training in California pharmacy professionals

BACKGROUND: Nearly 1 in 4 Americans experience mental illness, yet only half receive treatment. Pharmacy professionals serve and provide care to many in their communities, including those experiencing mental illness. Equipping them with knowledge and skills may help facilitate linkages for those struggling with mental health disorders. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training in pharmacy professionals on knowledge about mental health and attitudes about assisting individuals experiencing mental health challenges. METHODS: Pharmacy students, technicians, and pharmacists completed certification training in adult MHFA. Participants completed electronic precourse and postcourse surveys and a postcourse evaluation. Questions assessed knowledge about the purpose and use of MHFA and signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. Questions also assessed attitudes about using skills learned from training. Participants were also asked to evaluate whether training was helpful, if it better prepared them for professional work, and how many referrals and linkages, defined as directing a person to resources or services to further information or action, they made following training. RESULTS: From January 2023 through June 2025, 770 pharmacy professionals were trained across 66 sessions. A statistically significant increase in knowledge was seen in participants' abilities to describe the purpose of MHFA, recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, and explain ways in which a Mental Health First Aider may cope with discomfort when providing MHFA. Following training, participants were significantly more willing to have supportive conversations with someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge and to use the pharmacy-tailored action plan to connect someone with appropriate resources. The majority of participants found the course to be helpful and informative, and that it better prepared them for professional work. CONCLUSION: MHFA training in pharmacy professionals is an effective intervention to promote mental health support, increase awareness, reduce stigma, and equip participants to make linkages.