Free, virtual AHS workshop to help reduce emotional distress
Contributed
Albertans looking to learn more about social and emotional disaster response and recovery — including how to provide practical support to individuals experiencing distress and identify common stress reactions — can sign up for free Psychological First Aid training.
Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an internationally recognized method of support intended to help people during and after a disaster or emergency, including a pandemic. It uses a holistic, community wellness approach to help reduce levels of emotional distress for individuals, families and communities through practical care, compassion, connection and support from others.
Led by trained health professionals, PFA training is an interactive three-hour webinar that aims to share knowledge, teach skills, build confidence, and increase capacity to support people in the face of a disaster or emergency.
Upcoming workshops for individuals, community members and service providers:
• Thursday, May 25, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://albertahealthservices.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_eXbfFtUaT0Wb_wtXFr_VdA#/registration
• Wednesday, June 7, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://albertahealthservices.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_TGhRlx_dTrGVrHC882TN4A#/registration
Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff can register through AHS’ My Learning Link.
Email HPDIP.MH.EarlyID@ahs.ca for more information the upcoming courses.
For immediate support, help is available 24/7 by calling the mental health helpline at 1-877-303-2642. Trained staff provide confidential service for support, information, and referrals to anyone experiencing mental health concerns.
Online resources can be accessed at www.ahs.ca/wildfire and www.ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes, and include programs such as Text4Hope and Mental Wellness Moments focusing on helping Albertans cope. Albertans can sign up for Text4Hope to receive free supportive text messages every day by texting 393939.
As always, information is available at ahs.ca/wildfire and by calling Health Link at 811.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.