"Get Mental Health First Aid Training" said the flyer e-mailed to me by DeFeet.org. Two questions popped into my head. What is mental health first aid training? And second what is DeFeet.org?

DeFeet.org is dedicated to educating Pettis County about mental health and suicide prevention by providing trainings, speakers and support groups; and advocate for treatment by providing financial aid and materials to destigmatize mental health issues.

Mental health first aid training teaches people who take the course to identify, undertand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in the community.

This type of training is good for a variety of people. Teachers, police officers, paramedics, first responders to start. But it might also be helpful for many others in the community as well. High school and college age students. Coaches and trainers who work with high school athletes. People who manage a variety of workers in a factory, call center or office setting. Bartenders and servers who deal with the public. Frankly, I think it could be beneficial to anyone who comes into contact with a variety of people on any given day.

Mental Health First Aid USA says "Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, you learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help."

If this sounds like something you'd like to learn they are offering free training on Friday August 2. It's a one day course that runs from 8:00AM - 5:00PM CDT at Katy Trail Community Health. Seating for this course is limited. You can register to attend here. And you can learn more about Mental Health First Aid USA here.

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