Central Kansas Mental Health Center
Central Kansas Mental Health Center is offering a community Mental Health First Aid Class on May 25.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This one-day training gives you the skills needed 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.
As a part of Mental Health Awareness Month, MHFA provides an opportunity to help reduce stigma and encourage conversations about common mental health challenges. MHFA can help dismantle the stigma that keeps people from speaking up and getting help. It teaches you to understand, identify and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges with compassion and facts.
You do not have to be an expert to know how to help. MHFA is open to anyone; previous experience in mental health care is not necessary.
Training will take place at CKMHCs main office, 809 Elmhurst Blvd, in Salina, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 25. Lunch will be provided. Thanks to a generous grant from the Greater Salina Community Foundation this course is being offered for the reduced rate of $5 per person. To register contact Gretchen at [email protected] or call 785-515-6139. CEUs are available. Space is limited.
As a First Aider, you can be the first line of support for someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Taylor Haws, Community Based Services Coordinator, is one of five certified MHFA instructors at CKMHC. “I feel lucky to be a contributor in our area for MHFA awareness and training to help community members recognize risk factors and warning signs for mental illness and addiction concerns,” she said. “My hope is to increase community members’ confidence in supporting one another in finding appropriate mental health support when it is needed.”