FIRST AID TRAINING … NAMI Four County will sponsor additional Mental Health First Aid classes this spring and summer; however, specific training dates will be set once enough interested participants contact NAMI’s program coordinator B.J. Horner by phone at 419-906-5569 or by email at bj@namifourcounty.org. The free day-long training is geared to people who have no formal training in recognizing and supporting persons with a mental illness. Participants in last month’s youth Mental Health First Aid training were front row from left: Jasmine Dillard, Fulton County Jobs and Family Service; Ashley Epling, Mentors for Williams County; and Rachel Kinsman, Fulton County Health Department. Back row from left: Josie Marchena, Fulton County Health Department; Logan Krassow, Defiance County Juvenile Probation; Verlinda Schantz, CASA volunteer; and Jesse Quinones, Henry County Family Court.
NAMI Four County will offer free, day-long Mental Health First Aid classes this spring and summer as needed, according to B.J. Horner, the group’s program coordinator.
An adult Mental Health First Aid class that is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 still has some openings; however, the other classes have been filled.
During the pandemic, classes have been limited to eight registrants to keep maintain social distancing, so each training fills quickly.
To accommodate more people, Horner is now asking persons who are interested in taking the class this spring or summer to contact her by phone or email and she will schedule classes to meet the need.
To reach Horner by phone, call 419-906-5569 or by email at bj@namifourcounty.org. Persons can also register for the April 14 class by contacting Horner.
Mental Health First Aid classes were developed to teach participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of common mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, bipolar and psychosis.
Those taking the class will learn how to support persons developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness as well as those who in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan.
The curriculum, developed by Mental Health First Aid USA, is designed for persons whose jobs or volunteer activities bring them in contact with persons who may have mental health concerns or be in a mental health crisis as well as family members and friends.
There are two different Mental Health First Aid trainings sponsored by NAMI Four County. One focuses on youth and mental health issues unique to that age group, while the other focuses on adults.
For more information on NAMI Four County and a wide range of mental health topics, visit its website: www.namifourcounty.org.