Mental Health First Aid Training for Military/Veterans and Their Families
Mental Health First Aid is a training that equips participants with the skills to recognize and respond to signs of mental-health and substance-use challenges. Designed for service members, veterans, military families and those who support them, this interactive program explores military/veteran-specific risk and protective factors, reduces stigma and helps individuals connect others with appropriate care and resources. Participants will gain practical tools to assess risk, listen nonjudgmentally, provide support and encourage professional help when needed. The tools learned will be helpful in challenging conversations with anyone. Veterans, family members, community supporters – and the general community – are welcome.
ZOOM OPTION: SEPTEMBER 3-4
Thursday–Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. each day
Presenters: Penny Carlson and Chris Carlson
Registration deadline: August 20
Registration link for virtual training:
https://starfishfound.networkforgood.com/events/102686-virtual-mental-health-first-aid-military-veterans-and-their-families
IN-PERSON OPTION: SEPTEMBER 19
Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
Presenters: Rob Hilliard and Shawn Farr
Registration deadline: September 1
Registration link for in-person training: https://starfishfound.networkforgood.com/events/102684-lacrosse-mental-health-first-aid-military-veterans-and-their-families
Investment:
Free for veterans
$35 for certified peer specialist
$50 for general public/civilian
Professionals will receive 8.5 CEHs for participating in this program.
ZOOM PRESENTERS:
Penny Carlson serves as a Department of the Army Civilian at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin and has more than 14 years of military advocacy experience. She is dedicated to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual violence and the need for trauma-informed care. She also works to educate others on the multiple challenges of mental health and to reduce the stigma of seeking resources and living the highest quality of life possible.
Chris Carlson serves as an Army Civilian Prevention Specialist at Fort McCoy. He has served in a variety of leadership roles throughout his career and is enthusiastic about reducing mental health stigma and treating everyone with dignity and respect.
IN-PERSON PRESENTERS:
Rob Hilliard is a Mental Health First Aid instructor and longtime advocate for veteran wellness. He helped launch the Whole Health Program within the Veterans Administration and served on the National Veterans Whole Health Task Force from 2018–2020. He has held numerous leadership roles supporting veterans, including Wisconsin Disabled American Veterans department commander, Wisconsin DAV benefits protection team leader and executive board member for Step of Faith K9 and several VA-affiliated committees. His work includes opening a therapeutic golf program for veterans at the Tomah VA Medical Center and helping redesign national DAV training programs for commanders and adjutants.
Shawn Farr is a passionate advocate for veteran wellness and a certified Mental Health First Aid instructor who has dedicated his life to supporting those who serve. With a distinguished 22-year career in the U.S. Army spanning both active and reserve service, Shawn understands the unique pressures faced by military personnel. Since 2017, he has been a trusted pillar of support within command structures, standing by soldiers through difficult family situations and providing direct, critical intervention during times of crisis. Now serving as a Department of the Army Civilian, Shawn continues to leverage his extensive experience to advocate for service members, bridging the gap between struggle and survival with empathy, resources and hands-on guidance.