Mental Health First Aid Class

Sedona AZ (November 7, 2015) – What can you do to help a loved one, an employee or a neighbor experiencing a mental health crisis? A full-day session on Mental Health First Aid training sponsored jointly by the Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley and Spectrum Healthcare Group  will be conducted Friday, November 13, 8AM-5PM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 100 Arroyo Pinon Dr, Sedona. 

The course is free and open to the public. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) 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. 

According to Barbara Litrell, facilitator for the Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley, “Recent suicides in our community remind all of us that we an play a role to help someone in distress. Training will help guide us to know what to do.” 

Professional instructors from Spectrum Healthcare 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, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Continuing education credit may be available to those attending the 8-hour session.

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 St. Andrews Church. Class size is limited to 24.  Please register  by calling Barbara Litrell, MHCVV, 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com. 

The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley 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.