'Mental Health First Aid' Topic Of Avon Program

Town of Avon

AVON, CT — The town is hosting a special training session for the community to help folks care for someone having a mental health crisis.

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The programs will take place Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon.

There, participants will learn what's called "mental health first aid" and will help folks identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.

"This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care," wrote the town in a statement.

Issues to be discussed are:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental illness.

• Common signs and symptoms of substance use.

• How to interact with a person in crisis.

• How to connect the person with help.

• Expanded content on trauma, addiction and self-care.

The course is for anyone and it can be especially beneficial to employers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, faith leaders, community members and, simply, caring individuals.

This is a full day of programming, so participants are asked to bring a bag lunch. The community room refrigerator and microwave will be available for use.

Class size is limited to 30 students.

For more information and to register for the program, click on this link.