Sedona AZ (May 17, 2016) – The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley and Spectrum Healthcare Group are offering a full-day session on Mental Health First Aid training on Friday, June 3, 8AM-5PM at the the Cottonwood Recreation Center, 150 S. 6th St., Cottonwood. The 8-hour training is free and open to the public.
According to Barbara Litrell, Facilitator of the Coalition, “One of the education goals of the Coalition is to bring this important training right into our Verde Valley communities to make it easier for people to participate.” So far this year the Coalition has held trainings in Sedona, Clarkdale and the Village of Oak Creek. Each class is limited to 24 participants and the goal is to have 6 trainings this year. That will give the Verde Valley 144 more community members trained to recognize the signs of addiction and mental illness and to know the 5 step action plan to assess a situation and offer assistance.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness in a given year. Fear and stigma can often blind us to the signs of mental illness and paralyze us just when we could be of help to another person. Mental Health First Aid teaches members of the public how to respond in a mental health emergency.
Professional instructors from Spectrum Healthcare Group 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. The course also teaches about local resources and where to turn for help. Spectrum Healthcare Group has trained over 600 community members in Mental Health First Aid.
Continuing education credit may be available to those attending the 8-hour session and everyone receives a certificate of completion. The session begins at 8 am. Beverages and lunch will be provided with a free-will donation appreciated to cover costs. Class size is limited to 24. Please register early by contacting Barbara Litrell 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com.
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