Mental Health First Aid Workshop
Public safety professionals are often among the first to encounter someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Mental Health First Aid training provides the skills to recognize when someone may be struggling, respond appropriately and connect them with the right support.
Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 793 and the Columbia Fire Department are offering one-day Mental Health First Aid workshops on three dates in September. Participants who complete the workshop will receive Mental Health First Aid certification.
Robyn Ellison, M.Ed., a nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid instructor with extensive experience training public safety and first responder communities, will lead each workshop.
Workshop Dates & Locations
- September 24 and 25
Riverland Hills Baptist Church
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. - September 26
400 Laurel Street
Training Conference Room
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lunch will be provided each day.
Who Can Attend?
The workshops are open to:
- Firefighters
- Dispatch personnel
- EMS personnel
- Retirees
- Significant others
Space is limited to 50 participants per workshop.
Registration
- Firefighters and retirees: Register through the Fireforms course catalog.
- EMS, dispatch and significant others: Register by emailing [email protected].
About the Instructor
Robyn Ellison, M.Ed., is an experienced Mental Health First Aid instructor and behavioral health educator. Her professional recognition includes:
- Top MHFA Instructor in the USA, 2024 and 2025
- Top MHFA Instructor, In-Person Adult, 2025
- Top MHFA Instructor, Fire & EMS, 2025
- Top MHFA Instructor in South Carolina, 2021-2025
- South Carolina Mental Health Ambassador, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
- ACE Master Trainer
Ellison is certified to provide Mental Health First Aid training across multiple populations, including adults, youth, veterans, public safety, first responders, higher education, older adults and rural populations.