Public awareness of Mental Health First Aid and perception of community pharmacists as Mental Health First Aid providers.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) identify the number of participants who screened positive for major depressive disorder, (2) assess the number of participants who have discussed or would like to discuss mental illness with a trained professional, (3) determine public awareness about Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), and (4) determine public perception regarding community pharmacists trained in MHFA.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered at community pharmacies to participants aged 18 years and older who were able to speak and read in English. The 18-question survey was used to screen for major depressive disorder using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) and to collect demographic information, mental health diagnoses, beliefs regarding current mental illness and treatment, desire and history of talking with a trained professional about mental illness, and MHFA awareness.