DeKalb Community Service Board (CSB) is offering a certification course for the Mental Health First Aid adult public education program. Registration and payment for the training is required in advance for the course which will be held April 22 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Richardson Health Center in Decatur.
How to Register
Space is limited to 30 participants. The cost for the training is $60 per person and includes the participant’s manual. To register or for more information, contact Michelle Potter at info@dekcsb.org or 404.508.7875 (press option #4). Please note that this is a class offering basic information designed for the general public and not a higher level training for mental health professionals. There are no CEUs.
About Mental Health First Aid
Although many of us know CPR & First Aid, you’re much more likely to encounter someone with mental health symptoms than someone having a heart attack. What does depression look like? Trauma? Or anxiety? Have you met people experiencing suicidal thoughts or suffering from addiction to drugs or alcohol? An estimated 1 in 4 Americans have a diagnosable mental illness. Mental health crises occur frequently in your workplace, church, family, school and community.
What is the Training?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a public education program, similar to CPR and First Aid, that helps people identify, understand, and respond to individuals experiencing signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Participants who complete the 8-hour training will be certified as Mental Health First Aiders. MHFA was developed by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare for members of the community.
Who is it for?
MHFA is open to everyone. Whether you are a first responder, educator, faith community leader, medical professional, social service agency employee or volunteer, parent, employer, human resources professional, or caring community member— this course has information everyone can use.
This course will teach you:
- The prevalence of mental illnesses in the US and their emotional and economic cost
- The potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse disorders
- A 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect to professional care
- Resources available to help someone with a mental health problem
- To learn more, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
