Mental health challenges are more common than ever. Are you concerned about a friend or family member? Do you want to gain confidence in talking about mental health? Do you want to know more about what to do in a crisis?
Join the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County for a free Mental Health First Aid training on Saturday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a comprehensive course from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
The training teaches the skills to reach out and provide initial help and support to an adult who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.
To receive certification, participants must attend for the full-day course, and complete a 2-hour self-paced pre-course. (For those without computer/internet access for the self-paced course, the Mental Health Association can provide space and a computer.)
This training is provided in partnership with The History Center in Tompkins County with financial support from The Sophie Fund.
MHFA covers:
• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges
• How to interact with a person in crisis
• How to connect a person with help
• Information on trauma and its impacts
• Self-care
MHFA teaches a five-step action plan for first aiders:
• A: Assess for risk of suicide or harm
• L: Listen nonjudgmentally
• G: Give reassurance and information
• E: Encourage appropriate professional help
• E: Encourage self-help and other support strategies
WHEN: Saturday July 9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with a break for lunch on your own)
WHERE: The History Center in Tompkins County, 110 N. Tioga Street (Ithaca Commons), Ithaca, NY 14850
COST: Free
TO REGISTER: Contact Melanie Little, Director of Education, at mlittle@mhaedu.org or (607) 273-9250.
—By Melanie Little
Melanie Little is the Director of Education and a Certified Peer Specialist at the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County
You must be logged in to post a comment.