Mental Health First Aid training class scheduled in Jamestown

FirstLink is holding a free training, "Mental Health First Aid," for those working with older adults from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 2700 8th Ave. SW, Jamestown.

Mental Health First Aid is an interactive course that teaches participants how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps people identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

The training gives an overview of behavioral health disorders in the U.S. Participants will learn risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, build understanding of their impact, and overview common treatments.

This training will include information relevant to those who regularly work with older adults but all are welcome to attend. The skills are valuable to community members from all backgrounds.

By the end of the workshop, participants will learn:

• The risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health needs, including depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis, eating disorders, substance use disorders and self-injury.
• The prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced stigma in their communities
• A 5-step action plan that includes the skills, resources and knowledge to assess the situation, to select and begin appropriate interventions, and to help the individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional care
• The professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health need

Mental Health First Aid has been approved for CEUs for North Dakota social workers, law enforcement, nurses, and EMS professionals.
Registration is free. For information or to register, visit