Mental Health First Aid Train-the-Trainer Program

The Indian Health Service is preparing to implement a Mental Health First Aid Train-the-Trainer Program designed to equip participants with the skills to recognize and respond to signs of anxiety, depression, and substance use in others. The program will focus on teaching practical techniques for active listening, providing nonjudgmental support, and guiding individuals toward professional mental health resources. Training will be delivered through a train-the-trainer model, ensuring that certified instructors can then disseminate this knowledge broadly across service areas to enhance community mental health resilience. This initiative, categorized under NAICS code 611430 for Other Schools and Instruction, is forecasted for release on May 25, 2026, with Taryn Watson serving as the primary point of contact for program inquiries. The contracting officer position is currently undetermined. The program is intended to strengthen mental health capacity within communities served by the Indian Health Service, particularly in areas where access to professional care may be limited. While specific details on location or funding are not yet available, the emphasis is on building sustainable local expertise to promote early intervention and reduce stigma around mental health issues.