Event at Johnston County Mental Health Center

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed to give lay members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. THIS CLASS IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THE LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL. The evidence behind Mental Health First Aid demonstrates that it makes people feel more comfortable managing a crisis situation and builds mental health literacy — helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness. Specifically, studies found that those who trained in Mental Health First Aid have greater confidence in providing help to others, greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help, improved concordance with health professionals about treatments, and decreased stigmatizing attitudes. At the conclusion of the training participants will receive a Mental Health First Aid certification, which must be renewed every three years.

Ideal candidates for class: Certified nursing assistants, medical assistants, dental assistants, dental hygenists, pharmacy technicians, medical interpreters, health educators, public health department staff, medical office staff, dental office staff, nursing home staff, school personnel, nurse practitioners, school nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, emergency room personnel, law enforcement, first responders and other professionals interested in this subject.