Mental Health First Aid Course Scheduled For November 18th

A Mental Health First Aid training is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, in Oakland. Mental Health First Aid is the initial help given to a person showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional or other help, including peer and family support, can be engaged.

The course will be held at the Southern Outreach Center (Armory) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Registration is limited to 24 persons. Lunch will be provided. The register deadline is November 13.

The Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour certification course that teaches the skills needed to recognize the signs of a mental health or substance use disorder crisis, to identify community resources, and to link the person in need of treatment and support to the proper resources. The class presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Those taking the course to receive certification in Mental Health First Aid will learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care.

Information covered in the course would be beneficial for a wide variety of audiences and key professions, including: primary care professionals, employers and business leaders, faith communities, school personnel and educators, police and corrections officers, nursing home staff, mental health authorities, state and county policymakers, volunteers, youth, families, and the general public.

For more information or to register call the Garrett County Behavioral Health Authority at 301-334-7440, or email [email protected].