MHFA is like regular first aid but rather than treating a physical injury, you treat a person who may be experiencing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. When you can recognize the signs of mental problems or mental crisis, you can administer mental health first aid until appropriate professional help is received or until the crisis is resolved.

The concept of "Mental Health First Aid" originated in Australia, eventually it made it's way into Canada. Currently Mental Health First Aid is taught and used in over 24 different countries.

There are also a variety of other training programs available to the general public to be trained on mental health related response.

Through high-visibility and proactive patrols we walk through venues and remain static at a clearly marked table/tent to show patrons that we are here to offer support. We respond to and proactively identify patrons who may be experiencing a mental health crisis and use a variety of approved and evidence-based techniques to provide support and referrals to appropriate resources. Our responders are highly trained and are open and welcoming. Additionally, we utilize a variety of tools, and resources to help those in crisis, including in-house produced Mental Health First Aid kits, and a large network of professionals to refer to for additional support and to get quick referrals to our clients

Sandalwood MHFA created this service after the founder, Mike Stotland identified gaps in services provided at special events, namely mental health and crisis response. Conventional Medical First Aid and Security services personnel often have minimal to no training in responding to and properly dealing with persons in crisis. The purpose of this service within the private sector is to make spaces safer and more welcoming for those who are likely to suffer from a crisis by providing trained personnel, equipment and resources to provide not just basic, but exceptional support to patrons, staff, volunteers and anyone who visits your event.

The founder, Mike Stotland, has a diploma in Counselling Therapy from Stenberg College, and an associate Certificate in Trauma and Crisis Intervention from the Justice Institute of BC. He is a Certified Trauma Treatment Specialist, and holds numerous other certifications in suicide intervention and recognition, Mental Health First Aid, and Psychological First Aid. He has over 11 years experience working in the event industry, as well as 3 years directly working with clients of all backgrounds providing counselling and wellness support. Mike also currently works for the BC Emergency Health Services as a Medical Call Taker. Combined, Mike has the education, experience and skills to not only recognize those in crisis, but build a comprehensive and functional service to professionally respond to persons in crisis. Mike has connected with numerous other professionals in the industry to partner with him at events. All of Mike's partners are equally trained and experienced to deal with and respond to persons in crisis. Currently all of our partners are trained counsellors or social workers, many of whom have additional experience to include work with Victim Services, Suicide Intervention and Crisis Support, Youth Work, and Behavioural Interventions.

Our company, Sandalwood Wellness is fully insured and licensed and each of our partners are individually insured and licensed on top of being with our business insurance.