You may know CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. You can call 911. But can you administer First Aid in a Mental Health Crisis? Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training provides the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support when someone begins to show symptoms of a mental illness, a substance use problem, or are in a mental health crisis.

Participants will learn the potential warning signs of addictions and mental illness and will gain an understanding of the prevalence and impact of mental and substance use disorders. Participants will also receive a five-step action plan to assess a situation and learn how to connect an individual in crisis to local resources.

Mental Health First Aid is available in two formats: one for working with children in crisis, and one for adults. More information is available on the official program website (www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org). If you are interested in having your group trained, contact mentalhealthfirstaid@careyinc.org.