In response to the unprecedented stress and trauma that students and families have experienced since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago ramped up Mental Health First Aid training during the 2020-21 academic year and provided the evidence-based training curriculum to nearly 500 teachers, staff, and other adults from 17 schools and 15 community organizations.  Through CIS of Chicago efforts, nearly 500 Chicagoans became skilled in identifying and responding to young people experiencing mental health distress. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a certification course that teaches adults how to recognize and help kids and fellow adults who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. By learning how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of behavioral aberration or mental illnesses, adults without any clinical training can play a powerful role in mitigating self-harm and suicide.  Youth Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized practiced supported by the U.S. government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  The first aid training is designed to help adults identify, react to and support children (typically ages 8-18) experiencing mental health or addiction issues, or who are in an active crisis. To learn more about upcoming Mental Health First Aid Trainings available to the community, visit: cisofchicago.org/mhfa