Sedona AZ (May 5, 2014) – A full-day session on Mental Health First Aid training sponsored jointly by the Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley, Verde Valley Guidance Clinic, Inc. and Christ Lutheran Church will be conducted Monday, June 16, at the fellowship hall of Christ Lutheran Church at the intersection of Hwy 179 and Chapel Road.
The course is free and open to the public. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) aims to teach 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. Professional instructors from the Verde Valley Guidance Clinic 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, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.
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 session begins at 8 am. Beverages and lunch will be provided by Christ Lutheran Church, with a free-will donation to cover costs. Class size is limited to 24. Please register early by calling the office at Christ Lutheran, 928-282-1022.
The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley, which includes Verde Valley Guidance Clinic and Christ Lutheran Church as members, believes that the better informed our community is, the more we can help our neighbors obtain the services they require and speak with one voice to advocate for the needs of our communities.