Community Services

Live Well Allegheny

A healthy community begins with each and every one of us. Pittsburgh Mercy is a proud participant of Live Well Allegheny, a public health initiative to improve the health and well-being of residents of Allegheny County.

For more information, click here or call 412-320-2321.

Mental Health First Aid

Pittsburgh Mercy is an approved provider of Mental Health First Aid, an international course that helps people to help others who are having a mental health challenge.

Courses are available to anyone who has an interest in helping others, including but not limited to:

  • 911 dispatchers
  • Caregivers
  • Families
  • Faith communities, clergy, faith community nurses, and health ministers
  • First responders
  • Health and human service providers
  • Librarians
  • Members of the military, veterans, and families
  • Neighbors
  • Peer, resident, and academic advisors
  • Public safety officials
  • People who work with youth, adults, senior adults, students, veterans, individuals who are incarcerated (in jail), and seniors
  • Resident and academic advisors
  • School teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators
  • Youth leaders
  • Anyone interested in helping others who may be experiencing a mental health challenge.

Our experienced and certified instructors are available to teach the following courses to the community:

Mental Health First Aid for Adults

Research shows that one in every five adults has a mental health condition. This course is designed for adults ages 18 years and over. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.

Youth Mental Health First Aid

This course is designed for adults who work with youth ages 12 to 18 years in the schools. This course helps schools to fulfill Pennsylvania Act 71 requirements. For more information about Youth Mental Health First Aid, visit our School Services page.

Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education

Research shows that 75 percent of mental health conditions develop before age 25. This module is for those who work with adults ages 18 to 25 years in higher education, such as colleges, universities, and trade schools. This course also fulfills Pennsylvania Act 71 requirements.

Mental Health First Aid for Military Members, Veterans & Families

Military service often fosters resilience in individuals and families. Yet, some service members may experience mental health or addiction (substance use) challenges. Approximately one-third of active duty and reserve military personnel who have been deployed have had some form of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, or addiction. This course is intended for military members, veterans, families, and those who work with them. 

Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety

This course is intended for police, first responders, 911 dispatchers, public safety, and corrections professionals. Participants learn about different types of mental illnesses, available resources, and how to respond to mental health-related calls in a way that supports community safety. 

Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults

This course is designed for those who work with adults ages 65 and over. The course introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in older adults. It also teaches the importance of early intervention and how to help an older adult who is experiencing a crisis or mental health challenge.

All of the Mental Health First Aid courses teach participants a five-step action plan to support someone developing signs and symptoms of a mental health problem or experiencing an emotional crisis:

  • Assess for risk of suicide or harm
  • Listen nonjudgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage appropriate professional help
  • Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

Participants also receive education about resources that are available in the community.

For more information, call 412-320-2321.

Tobacco Cessation (Quit) Services

Through our partnership with Tobacco Free Allegheny, free tobacco cessation (quit) services are available to anyone who lives in Allegheny County. The program is tailored to meet your specific needs.

For more information, contact us at 1-877-637-2924.

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