Older Adult Mental Health First Aid Training - Mar 23, 2026 - (In-Person)

Name: Older Adult Mental Health First Aid Training - Mar 23, 2026 - (In-Person)
Start: 2026-03-23T08:00:00-08:00
End: 2026-03-23T17:00:00-08:00
Location: Tanana Valley Clinic

Schedule

Mon Mar 23 2026 at 08:00 am to 05:00 pm

UTC-08:00

Location

Tanana Valley Clinic | Fairbanks, AK

Older Adult Mental Health First Aid Training (In-Person)
Hosted by: Interior AHEC / Alaska AHEC Program Office – UAA College of Health
📅 Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM AKST
📍 Location: Tanana Valley Clinic, 1001 Noble Street, Fairbanks, AK
📧 Contact:
Ginger Trudgen – [email protected]
Andrea Gelvin
🔗 Registration: https://bit.ly/MHFAOAMar26
🎯 Audience: AHEC Scholars, Community Members, and Foundation Health Partners Staff
🌟 Why Attend?
As Alaska’s population ages, understanding and responding to the mental health needs of older adults is more important than ever. Older Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based, nationally recognized course designed to teach participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use challenges specifically affecting adults aged 60 and older.
Participants will gain insight into the unique experiences and risk factors faced by older adults, including cognitive decline, chronic illness, bereavement, and social isolation. By the end of the training, attendees will be equipped with the tools and confidence to support aging adults with empathy and care.
🧩 Training Format: In-Person Workshop
This 8-hour interactive training is held in person at Tanana Valley Clinic in Fairbanks. Participants will engage in discussions, group activities, and case-based scenarios that build understanding and practical skills.
What the training includes:
Instructor-led sessions and peer learning activities
Real-life examples and interactive exercises
Guided practice applying the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE)
Tools and strategies for engaging respectfully with older adults experiencing mental health or substance use challenges
✅ What You’ll Learn
Participants will learn to:
Recognize signs and symptoms of common mental health and substance use challenges among older adults
Identify factors that can contribute to mental health concerns in aging populations (grief, medical conditions, medication interactions, etc.)
Respond effectively and compassionately to individuals in crisis
Apply the MHFA Action Plan (ALGEE) to assess, assist, and connect older adults to appropriate care
Access and share community and national mental health resources for seniors
Topics include:
💬 Depression • Anxiety • Cognitive Decline • Grief • Substance Misuse • Isolation • Crisis Response
🎯 Who Should Attend
AHEC Scholars and health profession students
Foundation Health Partners staff and providers
Community members working with or caring for older adults
Healthcare professionals, caregivers, and social service providers interested in improving their understanding of mental health in later life
📜 Certificates & Continuing Education
Participants receive an Older Adult Mental Health First Aider Certificate valid for 3 years
7.5 Nursing Contact Hours available
The Alaska Nurses Association is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
(CEUs may also apply for other professional boards—please verify with your licensing body.)
💡 Why This Training Matters
Mental health challenges among older adults are often misunderstood or overlooked. By increasing awareness and building practical response skills, we can improve the quality of life and safety for Alaska’s aging population.
Join us to learn how you can make a difference—whether at home, in healthcare, or in your community.
Empower yourself with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support older adults when it matters most.