CANADIAN HEARING SERVICES, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MENTAL HEALTH COMMISSION OF CANADA, LAUNCHES CANADA'S FIRST MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID PROGRAM DESIGNED FOR DEAF COMMUNITIES

The program further strengthens Canadian Hearing Services' position as a national leader in accessibility, mental health, and community support.

Toronto, Ontario, Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Watch this release in American Sign Language (ASL): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJZqWJVRm-o

TORONTO, ON, October 5, 2026 - Canadian Hearing Services, in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), through Opening Minds, an initiative of MHCC, has launched Mental Health First Aid for the Deaf Community. Through this collaboration, Canadian Hearing Services has become the first organization in Canada to offer Mental Health First Aid training specifically designed for Deaf communities and the first to deliver the program in American Sign Language (ASL), with training available nationwide.

Built through a collaborative partnership, Mental Health First Aid for the Deaf Community combines Opening Minds' evidence-based Mental Health First Aid program with Deaf culture, Deaf lived experience, accessibility considerations, and Deaf-specific mental health knowledge. This groundbreaking initiative helps address critical gaps in accessible mental health support by equipping individuals, organizations, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support Deaf individuals experiencing mental health or substance use challenges and crises. The program further strengthens Canadian Hearing Services' position as a national leader in accessibility, mental health, and community support, while advancing its purpose to provide expert services that empower Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians.

"Mental health support must be accessible to everyone. Through Mental Health First Aid for the Deaf Community, we are helping address a critical gap by providing training that is rooted in Deaf culture, lived experience, and accessible communication. This program will empower individuals across Canada with the skills and confidence to support mental wellness within their communities, while advancing our purpose to provide expert services that empower Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians," said Julia N. Dumanian, President & Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Hearing Services.

"Meaningful mental health support begins with removing barriers and ensuring people can access help in ways that reflect their realities, experiences, and communities. This partnership with Canadian Hearing Services represents an important step toward making mental health education more accessible and inclusive for Deaf communities across Canada. By combining evidence-based Mental Health First Aid with lived expertise, accessible approaches, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences of Deaf communities, we are helping build stronger, more connected communities where people have the knowledge and confidence to support one another when it matters most," Lili-Anna Pereša, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Mental Health First Aid for the Deaf Community is designed for Deaf community members, family members, caregivers, educators, service providers, health professionals, community leaders, and anyone interested in building the skills to support mental wellness in Deaf communities.

Participants will complete self-directed online learning followed by instructor-led virtual training sessions in an accessible learning environment. All instructors have completed intensive instructor certification and facilitation training through Opening Minds and bring extensive expertise in mental health and Deaf culture.

For more information about Mental Health First Aid for the Deaf Community, including upcoming course dates and registration details, visit https://www.chs.ca/mental-health-first-aid-deaf-community.

About Canadian Hearing Services

Canadian Hearing Services is a proud Canadian not-for-profit and the country's leading provider of programs, services, education, and products that enable the Deaf and hard of hearing community to overcome barriers to participation. Building on 86 years of experience, Canadian Hearing Services has earned Accreditation Canada's Exemplary Standing, the organization's highest level of accreditation.

Canadian Hearing Services is home to the National Scholarship Program, the largest scholarship program in Canada exclusively supporting Deaf and hard of hearing post-secondary students, and to Hearing Research International, an international research foundation dedicated to accelerating innovative research in Hearing Health and Deaf Studies.

About Opening Minds

Opening Minds, an initiative of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, is a national leader in mental health training and mental health-related stigma reduction. Through evidence-based programs such as Mental Health First Aid, Opening Minds equips individuals, workplaces, and communities with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support mental health and respond effectively to mental health and substance use challenges. Working with partners across Canada, Opening Minds develops and delivers accessible, practical training that helps create healthier, more supportive communities for everyone.

openingminds.org | mentalhealthcommission.ca

Canadian Hearing Services Media Contact:
Rachel Winer
Manager, Communications
Canadian Hearing Services
271 Spadina Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2V3
T: 365-378-4009 | CHS.ca
Email: rwiner@chs.ca

Opening Minds Media Contact:
Michelle Bell
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Opening Minds
Email: mbell@openingminds.org

Lisa Flowers
Canadian Hearing Services
647-327-1344
lflowers@chs.ca