Sedona AZ (October 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, November 18, 8AM-5PM at Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Rd, Sedona. The 8-hour training is free, open to the public, and each person receives a certificate of completion.
According to Barbara Litrell, President 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, Cottonwood, the Village of Oak Creek and Camp Verde. Each class is limited to 24 participants. The 6 trainings this year will achieve over 100 community members trained to recognize the signs of addiction and mental illness and 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.The session begins at 8 am. Bring your lunch. Beverages and snacks will be provided. Class size is limited to 24. Please register early by contacting Barbara Litrell 649-0135 or blitrell@aol.com.
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