High Plains Mental Health Center will offer two free community Mental Health First Aid classes this summer at Hays Recreation Center. Registration is required in advance by calling HRC at (785) 623-2650.
A Youth Mental Health First Aid class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at HRC, 1105 Canterbury. This class focuses on signs a young person might be developing a mental health problem and also addresses subjects including suicide prevention, childhood trauma and adolescent development. Participants must be 18 or older to attend.
An Adult Mental Health First Aid class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, at HRC. This class addresses signs and symptoms of several mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use. We also will discuss suicide prevention and non-suicidal self-injury.
Participants should bring a sack lunch. All will receive official certification in Mental Health First Aid and a resource manual to keep. Continuing education credit certificates are available on request.
Mental Health First Aid is an international, evidence-based curriculum that teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. The training provides skills to provide initial help and support to someone who might be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis.
To learn more about the program or to schedule a class for your agency or community, contact Kaley Conner at High Plains Mental Health Center, (785) 628-2871.