Loudoun County Government: Loudoun County Offers New Mental Health Education Programs

Press release from the Loudoun County Government:

September 7, 2021

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and National Recovery Month, Loudoun County is expanding its mental health education programs with two new training opportunities for members of the public. These programs will be part of the county’s ongoing mental health and substance abuse prevention efforts. All programs are free, but registration is required, and seats are limited. Suicide Prevention Training The Question Persuade and Refer program offers training to help people recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to refer someone for professional help. The suicide prevention training teaches three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide; question, persuade and refer. The virtual training presentation lasts about one hour. Discussion and practice opportunities will follow the presentation. Upcoming classes will be held: Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021, 12:00 p.m. For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/suicidepreventiontraining. Adverse Childhood Experiences Training The Adverse Childhood Experiences training is a one-hour educational program that aims to raise awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use problems in adulthood. The training teaches that ACE prevention is the greatest opportunity for improving the well-being of communities. The virtual training presentation lasts about one hour. Discussion and a question-and- answer session will follow the presentation. The next class will be held: For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/childhoodadversitytraining. In addition to the new programs, Loudoun County continues to offer Mental Health First Aid and REVIVE! classes.

This press release was produced by the Loudoun County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.