Go Further Foundation provides free Mental Health First Aid training for 100 people through Johnson County Mental Health Center

Recognizing that mental health challenges often appear first in everyday interactions between family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, the Go Further Foundation and Johnson County Mental Health Center are partnering to train 100 people in Mental Health First Aid at no cost.

Through the partnership, Johnson County Mental Health Center will provide four Mental Health First Aid training classes from April through November with the Go Further Foundation covering the $50 registration fees for 100 community members.

"Our hope is to not only equip participants to act during a mental health crisis, but to tear down walls around mental health discussions altogether," said Mark Potts, president of the Go Further Foundation. "We believe the more we educate ourselves on the impacts of mental health, the more conversations we have, and the more conversations we have, the more destigmatized mental health becomes."

Mental Health First Aid is an interactive training designed to help people recognize when someone may be struggling with their mental health and respond with confidence and compassion. Participants learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges, how to approach and support someone in crisis and how to connect them to appropriate resources and professional help.

"Knowing how to identify, understand and respond to a mental health crisis can make a life-changing difference. Like learning CPR, Mental Health First Aid gives people the knowledge and skills to provide immediate support and be a bridge to professional help," said Tim DeWeese, Johnson County Mental Health Center's director and a Mental Health First Aid trainer. "I'm grateful to the Go Further Foundation for making this commitment to train 100 people in our community in 2026."

Registration is now open for the four free classes . Each class includes two hours of online pre-work and a six-hour in-person training. The first class will be held on Saturday, April 18 at Netsmart in Overland Park.

Go Further Foundation

The Go Further Foundation is a Kansas City-based nonprofit organization building a connected community dedicated to personal and professional growth. They take a positive, proactive approach to mental health, providing education and resources that serve as a constant reminder that no one is on their journey alone. As a proud community of early career professionals, they are passionate about mentorship, supporting one another and partnering with community-based organizations across Kansas City to help participants grow their tribe. More information is available at gofurtherfoundation.org.

Johnson County Mental Health Center

As a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), Johnson County Mental Health Center offers a wide range of mental health and substance use services for adults and children in Johnson County. More information about those services is available by visiting jocogov.org/mentalhealth or calling the 24/7 crisis line at 913-268-0156 to connect with a local, licensed mental health professional.