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Mental Health First Aid Courses Available Locally

Voices - 11/12/2016

NEW MILFORD - The New Milford Public Library will sponsor two options this month for free, nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid training.

The Kent Volunteer Fire Department/Town of Kent Social Services Department will host two sessions from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 15 and Thursday, November 17.

Temple Sholom in New Milford will host two sessions from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 29 and Thursday, December 1. Funding is provided by a federal grant (SAMHSA Project AWARE Community Grant) awarded to Mental Health Connecticut, Inc.

Like CPR, Mental Health Aid eight-hour certificate training provides community members with tools to respond to someone who is in crisis.

It also helps participants to recognize the signs and symptoms of a developing mental health problem and provide an important bridge to care.

Participants who receive the training are not professionals and do not diagnose or provide therapy. The program offers tools and answers key questions about what to do and where someone may find help.

The Mental Health First Aid program is being offered in Litchfield County to address substance use disorders in the county, get help for people in need, reduce hospitalization through early intervention, respond to Federal Government determinations that young adults are underserved relative to mental health support, and to support communities through acknowledgement that many people are affected by mental health problems.

Those seeking additional information or to register for the sessions may visit www.mhconn.org/education/mental-health-first-aid or call Mental Health Community Educator and Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor Valerie English-Cooper at 860-471-6715 or email venglishcooper@mhconn.org.