Mental Health First Aid Training Enlightens Community

The Whatever It Takes Coalition hosted a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training in Newell, SD on August 17, 2016. We had 14 people take advantage of the training. Sometimes first aid isn't a bandage, or CPR or calling 911. Sometimes, first aid is YOU. A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health or substance use problem. They learned an action plan to help called ALGEE.

(ALGEE: A - Assess for risk of suicide or harm; L - Listen nonjudgmentally; G - Give reassurance and information; E - Encourage appropriate professional help and E - Encourage self-help and other support strategies).

The training is recommended for those who normally have contact with young people such as teachers, coaches, social workers, etc. We had individuals come from Brookings, Dupree, Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Vale, and Newell.

Newell HS Student Hanna Bense said, "I thought the Mental Health First Aid Training was very well presented. It's one thing to tell people they need to be supportive of their peers and others in the community, but it's an entirely separate thing to tell us how. I really enjoyed it and I'm glad I learned new ways to give back to the community". Adrianna Weeldreyer thoughts are, "I believe more individuals should attend this training. It was a real eye-opener".

The WIT Coalition is proud to be able to offer these types of trainings in our community. If you are interested in being trained please let us know.