Mental health first aid class offered to community

Jefferson Decat is sponsoring a free Mental Health First Aid Training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and June 22 at the Fairfield school district?s Administration/Curriculum/Technology Center.

Mental health first aid is the initial help given to a person showing signs or symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis. Mental health first aid is provided until appropriate professional or other help can be engaged.

Participants will learn: how to support an individual experiencing a mental health crisis until professional help is available; the prevalence of mental illness in the U.S. and the emotional and economic cost; potential warning signs and risk factors for depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychotic disorders, eating disorders and substance use disorders; a five-step action plan to help an individual in crisis to connect to professional care; and resources available to help someone with a mental health concern.

The training is open to the community. Applications for social work Continuing Education Credit will be submitted.

Space is limited to 30 participants.