Sedona AZ (July 8, 2019) – Learn how to help a loved one, an employee or a neighbor experiencing a mental health crisis and how to offer support to someone who appears to be in emotional distress.
The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley is offering an 8 hour certificate training course on Mental Health First Aid on Friday, July 26, 8AM-5PM, in the social hall of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1st South St., Clarkdale, AZ. The program is free and open to the public.
According to Barbara Litrell President of the Mental Health Coalition, “Our goal is to train as many members of our Verde Valley community as possible so we become a conscious, caring community with people who know what to do when someone is in crisis or on the verge of crisis.”
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a national program that teaches members of the public how to respond in a mental health emergency and how to offer support to someone who appears to be in emotional distress.
Continuing education credit may be available to those attending the 8-hour session. Barbara Litrell and Marie-Josephine Royall, certified instructors, will teach the course which includes lecture, videos, group activities and reference materials. The course covers first aid for developing mental health problems including depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and substance use disorders. There is substantial discussion of suicide and self-harm risks as well.
According to the Mental Health First Aid USA training guide,”Most of us assume mental illness is something that only affects others and believe it won’t affect our family or friends. The truth is that mental health problems are more common than heart disease, lung disease and cancer combined.”
The training begins at 8 am. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Attendees should bring lunch. Class size is limited to 24. Please register early by calling Barbara Litrell at 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com.
The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley is a 501C3 non-profit all volunteer organization dedicated to building support for individuals and families challenged by mental health issues through education, outreach, advocacy, community conversations and support services.
