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Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge. There is an emphasis on early intervention to improve long-term outcomes.

  • Dates: June 4-5, 2025
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Location: DMACC Ankeny Campus
  • Investment: FREE
  • Registration: Register here

Ideal Audience:

  • Health care workers
  • Construction/manufacturing
  • High visibility/high contact positions
  • Employers of all sizes
  • Leadership teams
  • Supervisors in all industries

Learning Objectives and Immediate Benefits

  • Identify common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.
  • Identify common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
  • Practice how to interact with a person in crisis and connect them to help
  • Learn how to connect a person with help.
  • Increased confidence in having a supportive conversation
  • Improved knowledge around stigma, trauma, and mental health facts

Instructor: Megan Hammes

Megan Hammes is the Owner and Founder of Hammes Homestead and Consulting, established in 2023. With over 20 years of experience in employee health and well-being, Megan is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness and supporting leadership teams and work groups nationwide.

Before founding her company, she served as Senior Director of Well-Being at a major academic institution, overseeing initiatives for over 20,000 faculty and staff. Under her leadership, the university received awards like the Healthy Iowa Award and the C. Everett Koop National Health Award Honorable Mention. Megan was honored with the 2022 Heart of HERO Award by the Health Enhancement Research Organization.

Certified as a Wellness Coach and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), Megan also holds certifications in multicultural competency, resilience, and inclusive workplace culture. She is a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor and can teach community-specific groups for higher education and veterans. She brings her passion and enthusiasm for preventing serious medical conditions -both physical and mental- and leading a fulfilled life to all her trainings and speaking engagements. Megan earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa and a master’s in Health Promotion Management from American University in Washington DC.