First responders get mental health training

Fairview Health Services, in partnership with the League of Minnesota Cities, recently offered a course to train first responders to someone experiencing a mental health crisis, according to a news release.

"Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that gives participants the skills to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis," the release said.

"Held in Eden Prairie on Sept. 28, the course focused on calling for help and keeping people in crisis safe until help arrives. Participants were not trained to take the place of medical providers, but rather to serve as a bridge until help arrives."