EP 105: What Is Mental Health First Aid? (And Why You Need It) | Tina Edholm & Erica Elliot with Mental Health First Aid

Supporting someone through a mental health or substance use challenge can feel intimidating, but you do not need to be a medical professional or have a flawless script to make a lifesaving difference. In this episode of Mental Mixology, host Elex sits down with Tina Edholm (Mental Health First Aid Missouri) and Erica Elliott (Pettis County Health Center) to break down the practical steps of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Learn how to spot early warning signs, open the door to tough conversations, navigate resistance, and use the 5-step ALGEE action plan to build a supportive safety net in your community.

MEET THE GUESTS

Tina Edholm is a Training and Outreach Specialist with Mental Health First Aid Missouri, based at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). She coordinates a statewide network of 400 instructors who have trained more than 113,000 Missourians.

Erica Elliott is a Health Instructor at the Pettis County Health Center, leading public wellness and prevention initiatives. Erica has been certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid since 2021 and Adult Mental Health First Aid since 2026.

WHAT WE COVER

- Starting the conversation simply by saying "I've noticed..." without overthinking the wording.

- Why asking someone directly about mental health challenges or suicide does not put thoughts into their head.

- How to recognize shifts away from someone's unique baseline behavior.

- Treating mental health support like standard CPR or first aid—offering immediate help rather than attempting to diagnose or treat.

- How to respond patiently when someone pushes back with "I'm fine".

- Why trained first aiders are crucial for breaking stigma in rural and under-resourced communities.

THE 5-STEP ALGEE ACTION PLAN

A: Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm

L: Listen nonjudgmentally

G: Give reassurance and information

E: Encourage appropriate professional help

E: Encourage self-help and other support strategies

(For teens in grades 9–12, teen Mental Health First Aid teaches the R.O.L.E. framework to help students connect peers with trusted adults.)

PROGRAM & COMMUNITY LINKS

National Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Mental Health First Aid Missouri: https://mhfamissouri.org

Pettis County Health Center: https://pettiscountyhealthcenter.org | (660) 827-1130

Mental Mixology Resource Library: https://mentalmixology.org

CRISIS LINES & HELPLINES (FREE & CONFIDENTIAL)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 | https://988lifeline.org

(Available 24/7 across the U.S. for anyone in personal crisis or anyone asking how to support a friend/loved one)

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 | https://www.crisistextline.org(Free, 24/7 confidential crisis support by text message)

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678 | https://www.thetrevorproject.org(24/7 confidential suicide prevention and crisis intervention)

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255 | https://www.veteranscrisisline.net(24/7 confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families)

SAMHSA National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-4357 | https://www.samhsa.gov(24/7, 365-day treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use disorders)

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