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Arkansas Residents Step Up to Bridge the Mental Health Care Gap

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 1, 2026) — Arkansas residents are taking meaningful action to support friends, family members, and neighbors facing mental health challenges by participating in Mental Health First Aid training offered by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

In 2023, in celebration of its 75th anniversary, Arkansas Blue Cross set a goal to train at least 750 Arkansans in Mental Health First Aid. Since then, nearly 2,000 people across the state have completed the training — far surpassing the original goal. Most participants are not medical or behavioral health professionals. Instead, they are parents, siblings, coworkers, and community volunteers who want to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and help connect people to care.

Due to the strong response over the past three years, Arkansas Blue Cross will offer additional free Mental Health First Aid classes in May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Participants who complete the training earn a three-year certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

Upcoming Mental Health First Aid Classes in Arkansas

  • Tuesday, May 5 - Fort smith
    ArkansasBlue Welcome Center
    3501 Old Greenwood Road
    9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 14 - Conway
    Conway Chamber of Commerce
    900 Oak Street
    9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 21 - Batesville
    Independence County Library
    267 E. Main Street
    9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 27 - Monticello
    Southeast Arkansas Regional Library
    114 W. Jefferson Avenue
    9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The need for accessible mental health education and services remains significant across Arkansas. A recent Arkansas Health Survey conducted by the University of Arkansas found that nearly 31% of Arkansans report experiencing clinically significant depressive symptoms, with many living in counties that have few or no mental health providers. Additional residents report challenges related to anxiety, substance use, and other mental health conditions.

“Mental Health First Aid is about learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, provide early support, and, when needed, connect someone with professional care,” said Kristen Lippencott, Mental Health First Aid instructor and Arkansas Blue Cross manager of wellbeing and health solution strategies. “The earlier a person can begin addressing their mental health challenge, the more successful recovery can be. And each one of us can play a role in that.”

Mental Health First Aid training covers topics such as addiction, depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicide, and eating disorders.

Arkansans interested in earning their certification can register online at arkbluecross.com/firstaid Participants do not need to be Arkansas Blue Cross members to participate.