As part of Valley City-Barnes County Mental Health Awareness week, City-County Health District will bring Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to Valley City, ND on October 16, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Supper will be provided. This groundbreaking skills-based course teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges. Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved.
One in five Americans has experienced a mental health challenge, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult to see. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive care until it is too late.
“You can be there for someone experiencing a mental health challenge. Mental Health First Aid guides you through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support,” states Theresa Will, CCHD Administrator.
Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.
“It’s never been more important for our communities to talk about mental health and substance use,” says Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which helped bring Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. in 2008. “Youth Mental Health First Aid is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one another. Without mental health, there is no health.”
Individuals can register online at https://forms.office.com/g/gKKZrgmfJV. Register by Friday, October 13 at Noon. For more information, contact City-County Health District at 845-8518.