Residents welcome to Mental Health First Aid classes

LITCHFIELD >>The nationally recognized Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Training certification program will be offered on the evenings of June 6 and June 8 at EdAdvance, 4 Mountainview Terrace, Suite 201 in Danbury.

There is no charge for this program and the public is invited to participate.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training is an evidence-based program designed to help prepare adults and teen leaders to recognize and address mental health problems among youth. The training teaches participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses and substance use disorders, deescalate crisis situations safely and initiate timely referrals to mental health and substance abuse resources available in the community.

YMHFA Training is made possible through federal grant funding provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Through this grant award, EdAdvance (the RESC in western Connecticut) and Mental Health Connecticut are working collaboratively to saturate the region with thousands of Mental Health First Aiders. Under the auspices of Project AWARE, Mental Health First Aiders will be better prepared to understand the prevalence of various mental health disorders and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges in their communities.

YMHFA Trainings are designed for persons who do not already have advanced education or training in mental health or behavioral health professions. Individuals from all educational and professional backgrounds are welcome. Coaches, teachers, youth group leaders, scout leaders, parent volunteers, faith-based communities, police officers, camp counselors, nurses, college students and medical first responders are among the thousands already trained across the country. Additionally, student leaders in grades 1112 are eligible for certification.

Participants must attend all 8 hours of training to receive certification, and will receive a comprehensive guidebook developed to provide easy access to mental health information. Training on June 6 and June 8 will be held both evenings from 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Participants may bring dinner. Beverages and light refreshments will be served.

Space is limited and registration is required.

Those interested in Youth MHFA should register by contacting Amanda DelVicario at EdAdvance at 860-567-0863 or YMHFA@edadvance.org

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Mental health first aid classes are being offered on June 6 and June 8.