Free 8-hour trainings to identify and respond to early warning signs in youth, family, colleagues, friends

You are just as likely to encounter someone in a mental health crisis as someone who needs CPR, if not more likely. South County is not immune, with our high rates of substance abuse at every age group to chronic depression associated with psychiatric hospitalizations and, sadly, suicides.

In response, the Coalition, with a collaboration of school districts and other community groups, adopted the international Mental Health First Aid curriculum to train parents, after school programs, educators, camp counselors, juvenile police officers, and others in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA).
Now, working with South County Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds, we offer a similar program for adults helping adults: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

Seven trainings through June
We’re offering seven free sessions this Winter and Spring. Each is eight hours, spread over two half days.
The training will teach you the basics of how to be aware of early signs of problems, and then how to provide immediate support until appropriate professional help can be secured.

Adult Mental Health First Aid
Dates Location
Thursdays, February 15 & 22, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Westerly Hospital, Nardone Conference Center
Fridays, March 2 & 9, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM South County Hospital, Potter Conference Room
Fridays, May 11 & 18, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM South County Hospital, Potter Conference Room

Youth Mental Health First Aid
Saturdays, February 17 & 24, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Harvest Acres, 425 Kingstown Rd. Richmond
Saturdays, March 10 & 17, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Westerly Hospital, Nardone Conference Center
Saturdays, May 5 & 12, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Westerly Hospital, Nardone Conference Center          Saturdays, May 19 & June 2, 2018 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Exeter Library, 773 Ten Rod Road,Exeter

This 8-hour certification course teaches participants how to recognize and respond to someone who may be facing a mental health challenge or crisis as well as link them with the help they need. To register or obtain additional information, contact Donna Greene at 401-788-2371 or mh1staid@gmail.com