Out of the Shadows: Mental Health First Aid

Register in advance: https://forge-forward.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dtgnYamkT1q1nzB-F2k4Kg

There are powerful benefits when we bring our whole selves to our interactions with others.  Doing so has a direct impact on our friends, co-workers, family, and community. Rob Vallentine, a national instructor for Mental Health First Aid, will discuss the importance of investing in our own Mental Health and how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in others.  He will share how to improve interactions with someone struggling with their mental health using the 5 step action plan of Mental Health First Aid.

Rob is proud to help shed light on an important health issue too often kept in the shadows. Sometimes all it takes is one moment and one story to spark an inspiring movement.

Presenter: Rob Vallentine

Rob is on a mission to ignite personal passion to find purpose, and in turn make a positive impact on the world.  While his work and community service have enabled progress and lasting improvement, he is most proud of his roles as father to his four children and partner to his wife. Each member of his family has, in their own way, created positive social change at home and at work, advancing LGBTQ, mental health, autism and youth empowerment.

For most of his life, Rob promised himself that he would never talk about being a survivor of childhood sexual trauma. He struggled daily with anxiety and felt like he had carried around a backpack full of rocks his whole life.

Rob is now dedicating his time to breaking the stigma of mental health by sharing his own story of hope, healing and growth with people around the world. He is a National Instructor for Mental Health First Aid.

Rob serves on the National Advisory Board for the University of Michigan Depression Center and the National Advisory Council for the National Network of Depression Centers. Rob also serves on the Board of Directors for the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance and Shelterhouse Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center and is a Community Director for Huntington Bank.