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Become a Mental Wellbeing Advocate

Whether you’re a Mental Health First Aider or just curious to learn more about mental health issues, you’re already an advocate for mental health in your community — even if you don’t know it! Being an advocate is about learning, sharing your story, engaging on issues in your community, and making your voice and the voices of those you love heard.  

You’ve already taken an important step by learning or expressing interest in learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use crisis or challenge. What comes next? How do we help ensure people in crisis receive care when and where they need it? Can people afford it? What can we do to raise awareness about the need to expand access to services to better serve the community? How can we come together to support the mental health and substance use care organizations struggling with severe workforce and funding shortages? 

Here are a few ways to continue being an advocate for mental wellbeing.  

  • Learn about how the National Council advocates for mental wellbeing. In addition to operating Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), the National Council for Mental Wellbeing represents more than 3,400 community-based mental health and substance use providers nationwide. Every day, the National Council works to ensure access to high-quality mental health and substance use treatment services, build the capacity of mental health and substance use treatment organizations, and promote a greater understanding of mental wellbeing as a core component of comprehensive health and health care. Learn about the National Council’s priorities.  
  •  Stay informed for opportunities to add your voice to the conversation. Raising awareness about mental health and substance use issues starts with being informed. Subscribe to content from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing to keep you updated on the latest news and resources. You can learn about key federal and state legislative updates, new research findings and upcoming advocacy events and chances to raise your voice in support of expanding access to care. Sign up here.  
  •  Show your support for mental wellbeing. Wear a badge of honor and show off your Mental Health First Aider status! MHFA merch starts conversations as it showcases your dedication to the cause. By proudly displaying your MHFA pride this World Mental Health Day, you can advocate for mental health destigmatization and spark essential conversations about mental wellbeing. 
     
    For a limited time, we’re extending an offer of 10% off MHFA merchandise! Use our limited-time discount code OCTOBER10 at checkout. This offer is valid Oct. 1-10, 2024.* Visit our storefront to browse options. 

 

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