Adult mental health first aid training to be Aug. 29 in Fairfield

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will provide Mental Health First Aid Training in Fairfield on Aug. 29. The training will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cambridge Building at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

Participants will receive an eight hour certificate of completion. The training will be led by two certified facilitators.

“Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that nearly 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness,” said Dawn Dunnegan, Human Sciences Specialist, Family Wellbeing. Additionally, 123 people die by suicide each day according to recent data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has responded to these alarming statistics by offering Mental Health First Aid. This program provides adults with tools they can use to identify when someone in their life might be struggling with a mental health and/or substance use problem.”

Participants will also learn how to connect people to appropriate support and resources when necessary. A five-step action plan will be taught to guide participants through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.

“Everyone can benefit from taking a mental health first aid course, from agribusiness professionals, producers, paramedics, and faith leaders to teachers, mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends. Learning more about mental health can help reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health problems. When we can recognize signs of trouble, we can help people get the assistance they need,” said Dunnegan.

This training is being offered free thanks to a grant from Iowa Health and Human Services. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Jefferson County Extension. Space is limited so register today. To register, go to https://go.iastate.edu/I4ZGBX or contact the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166.

For more information, contact Dawn Dunnegan, dunnegan@iastate.edu, 319-217-9474 or the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166.