Lake County Health Department Seeks Instructors for Mental Health Training

The Lake County Health Department is actively recruiting individuals to become instructors for the Mental Health First Aid USA program, aiming to enhance community support for those experiencing mental health crises. The instructor training session is scheduled for January 28-30, 2026, at the Health Department’s facility located at 3010 Grand Ave., Waukegan, Illinois.

Chris Hoff, executive director of the Lake County Health Department, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It is an unfortunate truth that depression and anxiety are common in the United States. Through Mental Health First Aid, we are equipping our community to readily help those experiencing a mental health crisis.” This program seeks to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness by providing essential training to community members.

Approved instructors will learn to teach the Adult Mental Health First Aid course, which covers a five-step action plan, evidence-supported treatments, and self-help strategies. Typically, the instructor training costs approximately $2,000 per person; however, it is being offered free of charge to qualified applicants. In exchange, participants commit to teaching three eight-hour Mental Health First Aid classes throughout 2026.

Individuals interested in applying for this opportunity can find more information and submit their applications by visiting www.mentalhealth.today/instructor or emailing [email protected]. The deadline for applications is December 12, 2025.

To qualify for certification, candidates must demonstrate empathy towards those facing behavioral health challenges and possess a strong desire to combat stigma. Ideal applicants should also have a foundational understanding of mental health and substance use issues, experience in teaching adults and facilitating groups, and a grasp of best practices in adult learning.

The Lake County Health Department’s efforts are bolstered by a five-year grant extension received from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding aims to expand and improve mental health training initiatives in Lake County. Under this grant, the Health Department plans to train 80 individuals to become instructors, who will, in turn, educate 1,440 community members on mental health first aid.

By fostering a network of trained instructors, the Lake County Health Department aims to empower the community to respond effectively to mental health crises, ultimately working towards a more informed and supportive environment for those in need.