Mental Health First Aid Training Being Offered In Darien: Details

DARIEN, CT — Darien and New Canaan Human Services are sponsoring a two-day Mental Health First Aid training program on Aug. 3 and Aug. 4.

The certification course will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the Mather Senior Center, 2 Renshaw Road in Darien.

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According to the program information, the program is an eight-hour certification course designed to help individuals and communities better understand mental health issues and respond to people who may be experiencing distress.

The training is open to members of the general public and is suited for volunteers who are at least 18 years old, as well as school personnel, nurses, educators, employers, community leaders and business leaders.

The interactive course is intended to provide participants with skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Program materials compare the training to CPR, noting that it equips people without clinical training to assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis.

Participants will learn about the prevalence of mental illnesses in the United States, warning signs of common mental health disorders, a five-step action plan to assist someone in crisis, and resources available to help people with mental health problems.

The program includes a three-year Mental Health First Aid certification, a two-day training, a Mental Health First Aid manual, handouts and a certificate.

Registration is limited to 15 participants from each town. Darien residents can register by emailing aramsteck@darienct.gov, while New Canaan residents can register by emailing Marcella.rand@newcanaanct.gov.