WellPower offers cost-covered Mental Health First Aid classes for Mental Health Awareness Month

By AI, Created 10:45 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – WellPower is offering cost-covered Mental Health First Aid classes in May to help Colorado residents recognize and respond to mental health and substance use crises. The push comes during Mental Health Awareness Month, as the provider aims to train at least 1,000 people a year and expand access to practical crisis-response skills.

Why it matters: - Mental health crises are common, and WellPower says more people are likely to encounter someone in an emotional crisis than someone having a heart attack. - The classes are meant to help parents, teachers, coworkers and other community members respond faster and with more confidence. - Early intervention and community support matter more in Colorado, where mental health conditions and suicide rates rank among the highest in the nation.

What happened: - WellPower is offering cost-covered Mental Health First Aid classes throughout May for Mental Health Awareness Month. - The classes are being offered in partnership with the Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council. - The Denver-based provider is also keeping MHFA classes open year-round for the public.

The details: - Mental Health First Aid is a one-day, interactive course modeled after CPR training. - No prior experience is required. - Participants learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. - People who certify as Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step action plan to connect someone in crisis with professional, peer, social and self-help care. - WellPower says it has been a national leader in Mental Health First Aid for nearly 15 years and was one of the first organizations to offer the program in Colorado. - The organization aims to train at least 1,000 people annually. - Adult and youth classes are available, including options in Spanish. - The classes are described as practical, accessible and immediately applicable. - WellPower serves people across the lifespan at more than 30 sites and nearly 200 community locations, including schools, hospitals, shelters and assisted living facilities.

Between the lines: - The timing suggests a broader effort to normalize mental health conversations during a month when awareness campaigns are most visible. - The public-facing, skills-based format is designed to lower the barrier to entry for people who want to help but do not have clinical training. - The emphasis on Spanish-language options signals a push to widen access beyond the usual mental health audience.

What’s next: - WellPower says additional classes will continue throughout the year. - People can learn more or register at more information. - The organization will continue trying to expand the number of community members trained in MHFA.

The bottom line: - WellPower is using Mental Health Awareness Month to turn awareness into action, with free-to-attend training aimed at making everyday Coloradans better prepared to help in a crisis.