RichmondCC Offering Mental Health First Aid Class in December

October 31, 2018 – Richmond Community College is offering a Mental Health First Aid class on Saturday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help educate the community about recognizing the signs of a person struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem.

One in five Americans has a mental illness or substance use disorder, yet many are reluctant to seek help or simply don’t know where to turn for care, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health. Because recognizing mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult, it is important for people to understand the warning signs and risk factors.

This one-day class is will be held in the Grimsley Health Sciences Building, room 102, on RichmondCC’s main campus in Hamlet. The 8-hour course introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health concerns, builds understanding of their impact and provides an overview of common treatments. Through role-playing and simulations, it demonstrates how to assess a mental health crisis; select interventions; provide initial help; and connect people to professional, peer and social supports as well as self-help resources.

Mental Health First Aid encourages early detection and intervention by teaching participants about the signs and symptoms of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and addictions. The program offers concrete tools and answers key questions like “What can I do?” and “Where can someone find help?” Participants are introduced to local mental health resources, national organizations, support groups and online tools for mental health and addiction treatment and support.

Upon completion participants, will earn a three-year Mental Health First Aid certification. Mental Health First Aid USA is operated by the National Council for Behavioral Health.

This class is open to the general public and pre-registration is required. To sign up for Mental Health First Aid at RichmondCC, contact Workforce and Economic Development Program Director Angineek Gillenwater at (910) 410-1848 or ajgillenwater@richmondcc.edu.