Mental Health First Aid: A Global Movement

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) has become a global movement, helping people build the confidence to recognize mental health challenges, reduce stigma and support one another. This week, leaders from Canada and Ireland share lessons on growth, adaptation and the power of human connection. 

Host Mohini Venkatesh speaks with Donal Scanlan of MHFA Ireland and Shane Silver of the Mental Health Commission of Canada about how MHFA has expanded across countries and cultures. They discuss national partnerships, workplace and community engagement, context-aware adaptations and the critical role instructors play in sustaining momentum. The conversation also explores what countries can learn from one another and why courage, vulnerability and connection remain essential to mental wellbeing. 

Listeners will learn: 

• How Mental Health First Aid expands mental health literacy across countries and communities 

• The importance of partnerships, instructors and context-aware adaptations 

• Why confidence, vulnerability and human connection are central to reducing stigma 

Donal Scanlan is head of MHFA Ireland, with over 27 years of professional experience and study dedicated to mental wellbeing. Shane Silver is a VP at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, leading national initiatives to improve mental health literacy and reduce stigma. 

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