Sedona AZ (November 5, 2017) – An 8 hour Mental Health First Aid training class is scheduled for Friday, November 17, 8AM-5PM at the Spectrum Health Care Community Room, 651 W. Mingus Avenue, Cottonwood, AZ. The program is offered by The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley and Spectrum Healthcare Group. The 8-hour training is free, open to the public, and each person receives a certificate of completion. Continuing education credit may be available to those attending the 8-hour session.
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, and substance use disorders. The course focuses on recognizing the signs of addiction and mental illness and the 5 step action plan to assess a situation and offer assistance. The course also teaches about local resources and where to turn for help. Spectrum Healthcare Group has trained over 700 community members in Mental Health First Aid.
According to Barbara Litrell, President of the Mental Health Coalition, “When a loved one, a neighbor or an employee is experiencing a mental health crisis or an emotional meltdown, it’s a difficult situation to be in when you’re not sure what is the right thing to do. Mental Health First Aid training can help. It’s a lot like CPR. If someone is having a heart attack and you are trained in CPR, you know what to do and how to help. That’s what Mental Health First Aid teaches you.”
The Mental Health Coalition Verde Valley is a 501C3 non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to building community support for families and individuals living with mental illness through education, advocacy, and community support services. Bring your lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Class size is limited to 15. Please register early by contacting Barbara Litrell 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com.
