MCHHS to Host a Public Mental Health First Aid Class

MCHHS to Host a Public Mental Health First Aid Class

Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems will host a Mental Health First Aid course presented by Pawnee Mental Health Services on March 19, 2024. Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that teaches an individual how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives individuals the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use issue and help connect them to the appropriate care.

This free, 8-hour course, is designed for anyone in the community and there are also specialized courses offered for teens. Having knowledge of Mental Health First Aid can help prevent suicide, hospitalization, or mental health and substance use crisis.

Nicki Cleveland, CNO, states, “Most of us would know how to react if we saw someone having a heart attack or serious medical crisis. We would call 9-1-1, start CPR if we needed to, etc. Too few of us know how to respond if we were to witness someone having a panic attack or showing signs of alcohol use disorder. Through this evidence-based, early-intervention Mental Health First Aid course, administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, you learn how to have dialogue with an individual who might be experiencing a crisis.”

If you are interested in attending this educational training, please contact Nicki Cleveland, CNO, at 785-738-9172 by March 1st. Space is limited, so call today!