145. Mental Health First Aid & Workplace Wellness: What Every Community Needs to Know Artwork

The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

The Stepping In It Podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest news and trends in behavioral health policy development and practice. Each episode features interviews with experts from across the field, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and resources for improving the quality and access to behavioral health care.

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The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

145. Mental Health First Aid & Workplace Wellness: What Every Community Needs to Know

June 09, 2026 • Renee Schulte

0:00 | 34:04

In this episode, Renee and Jason record live reflections inspired by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s NATCON 2026 Conference, diving into the growing importance of mental health awareness trainings in workplaces and communities. From Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), ASIST, Rural Watch, and other evidence-informed approaches, they explore how these trainings are shaping workplace culture, reducing stigma, and helping people feel more prepared to respond when someone is struggling. The conversation also highlights the rapid growth of mental health challenges across the workforce, the importance of proactive support, and how organizations can determine which type of training best fits their culture and community needs.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Understand the role of Mental Health First Aid and other awareness trainings in supporting mental wellness.
Learn how workplace mental health initiatives are impacting culture, productivity, and employee support.
Discover key statistics and research behind the effectiveness of MHFA training programs.
Explore different mental health awareness trainings and how communities can choose the right fit for their needs.
Gain insight into the growing demand for proactive mental health support in workplaces and rural communities.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 - Introduction & NATCON 2026 Reflections

00:02:14 - Recovery from Planting Season & Rural Stressors

00:04:32 - The Evolution of Mental Health Awareness Trainings

00:07:01 - Mental Health First Aid & Evidence-Based Approaches

00:10:48 - Other Mental Health Training Models: QPR, ASIST & Rural Watch

00:14:16 - 4.5 Million Americans Trained in MHFA

00:17:03 - Research on Confidence, Stigma Reduction & Early Intervention

00:20:27 - Workplace Mental Health Statistics & Productivity

00:23:44 - Why Proactive Support Matters in Organizations

00:26:18 - Choosing the Right Training for Your Workplace or Community

00:29:40 - Final Thoughts & Closing Conversation