Mental Health First Aid: A Discussion with Valerie English Cooper

LITCHFIELD, Conn. - Dec. 21, 2016 - PRLog -- Like CPR, Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour certificate training that provides community members with tools to respond to someone who is in crisis and helps participants recognize the signs and symptoms of a developing mental health problem. Those who receive this training do not diagnose or provide therapy; instead, the program offers tools and answers key questions about what to do and where someone may find help.

Available in the U.S. for ten years and managed by the National Council for Behavioral Health, 750,000 First Aiders have been trained to date.  Evidence shows that Mental Health First Aid training increases mental health literacy, increases participants' confidence in reaching out to community members in need, and increases awareness of local resources to support individuals with mental health disorders.

Join us for a discussion of mental health statistics in Connecticut, learn more about the importance of Mental Health First Aid training in communities, and participate in an activity from the training. A full schedule of certificate trainings can be found at mhconn.org/education/mental-health-first-aid.

Valerie English Cooper is Community Educator and Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor for Mental Health Connecticut (MHC), and is responsible for executing SAMHSA's (the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) "Now is the Time" Project AWARE Community Grant in Litchfield County. She also has an ADHD coaching practice in Washington, CT.

All Oliver Wolcott Library events are free and open to the public. Space is limited. Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-567-8030 or logging onto http://www.owlibrary.org and clicking on Programs/Adult Programs.