November 21, 2014

Bolinsky: Mental Health First Aid Training in Newtown

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NEWTOWN- State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) is informing fellow Newtowners of Mental Health First Aid training for anyone, 18 years and older, who wants to learn how to help a person who is experiencing a mental health challenge.

Like CPR teaches the lay person what to do in the case of a cardiac emergency, Mental Health First Aid teaches non-mental health professionals how to help someone who is experiencing a mental health illness or challenge. This 8 hour certification class features hands on activities, ALGEE 5-step action plan, an overview of local mental health resources and a resource manual packed with information on topics covered in the class.

Participants will learn how to assist someone experiencing a mental health challenge, risk factors and warning signs of mental illness, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations and where to turn for help. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis and addictions.

“This MHFA training program is important to understanding how to help those in a mental health crisis. The ability to have primary care professionals, families, school personnel and community members, identify and understand students in crisis will hopefully ensure these young people receive the appropriate treatment they need, in a timely and dignified manner,’ said Rep. Bolinsky.

“Early detection is vital to effective treatment and positive outcomes. I have registered for the course and hope to see a full-room of potential crisis first responders,” Bolinsky said.

The training, offered by the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction, stems from the legislation passed in 2013. The legislation called for the state’s mental health and education commissioners to administer a mental health first aid training program, and for people serving as safe school climate coordinators to receive the training.

Additional information on the Mental Health First Aid training can be found at: www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/program_overview/

The training is free with support provided by the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation.

Follow this link to register for the course:

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-first-aid-training-in-newtown-jan-10th-17th-must-attend-both-dates-registration-13871807951 or contact Tricia at 203-758-1110 x11 or pharrity@nwctahec.org.