Mental Health First Aid training available to the community

When a loved one is in crisis, it can be tough to understand what’s wrong and even harder to figure out how best to help them. Mental Health First Aid is a training course that’s designed to give you the tools to feel confident you can offer the right support, and the next class is open to anyone in the community and set for November 6.

“Life is complicated now, more than ever. Many people are struggling to get through the day and may be experiencing mental health issues and/or having a substance use issue to deal with their challenges,” says Katie Allen, Prevention Specialist for Crook County Public Health.

“Taking the Mental Health First Aid class gives you the tools needed to help your family, friends, co-workers and community.”

A typical first aid training course helps you understand how to identify and assist with physical problems. Mental Health First Aid does exactly the same thing for mental and emotional issues.

“Just like CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps us, as a community member, to assist a friend, family member or co-worker experiencing a mental health crisis,” Allen says.

The course lasts for one day and aims to teach you the skills to provide that all-important initial support to a person who is developing or suffering from a mental health or substance abuse problem. It’s ideal for employers, law enforcement, hospital staff, first responders and faith leaders – and also for any member of the community who would like to feel confident

“The evidence behind this training demonstrates that it makes people feel more comfortable managing a crisis situation and builds mental health literacy,” Allen says.

“You’ll learn how to identify common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use; how to interact with a person in crisis and how to connect them with help.”

The next Mental Health First Aid course will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 6 at Moorcroft Town Center, in the library. A maximum of 30 people can be accommodated; secure your place by signing up before the November 2 deadline.

To sign up or with questions, contact Allen at 290-0424 or [email protected], or visit crookcountyprevention.com to find the application form.