Darien And New Canaan Human Services To Offer Mental Health First Aid Training

DARIEN, CT — Darien and New Canaan human services officials are sponsoring a two-day mental health first aid training this spring aimed at helping residents recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges and crises.

The eight-hour certification course will be held March 31 and April 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at New Canaan Town Hall, in the meeting room at 77 Main St., according to program information.

The training is open to adults ages 18 and older and is limited to 15 participants from each town.

Mental health first aid is designed to give participants practical skills to assist someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Similar in concept to CPR training, the course focuses on helping non-medical professionals identify warning signs, offer initial support, and connect individuals to appropriate resources.

Participants will learn about the prevalence of mental illness in the United States, common warning signs associated with mental health disorders, and a five-step action plan for responding to someone in crisis.

The course also covers resources available to support individuals experiencing mental health concerns.

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 of completion.

Darien residents may register by emailing armsteck@darienct.gov, while New Canaan residents may register by emailing marcellarand@newcanaanct.gov.

The instructors for the course are Ali Bramsteck, director of Darien Human Services and the Mather Senior Center, and Marcella Rand, director of New Canaan Human Services.