Mental Health First Aid

Sponsor: North Country Health Consortium in collaboration with the NH Alcohol and Drug Counselors Association

Important: Learners must complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course before they participate in this 5.5 hour, instructor led training. More information on the online pre-work will be emailed once you are registered.

PRESENTATION: Mental Health First Aid is designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as CPR training helps a layperson without medical training assist an individual following a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid training helps a layperson assist someone experiencing a mental health crisis. The evidence behind Mental Health First Aid demonstrates that it makes people feel more comfortable managing a crisis situation and builds mental health literacy — helping the public identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness. Specifically, studies found that those who trained in Mental Health First Aid have greater confidence in providing help to others, greater likelihood of advising people to seek professional help, improved concordance with health professionals about treatments, and decreased stigmatizing attitudes.  

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:  

• Recognize the potential risk factors and warning signs for a range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety/trauma, psychosis and psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and self-injury.  
• Use a 5-step action plan to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional help.  
• Interpret the prevalence of various mental health disorders in the U.S. and the need for reduced negative attitudes in their communities.   
• Apply knowledge of the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help resources available to help someone with a mental health problem treat and manage the problem and achieve recovery.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:

Jane Skantze is the Community Impact Manager at Makin’ It Happen in Manchester, NH. Jane received her Bachelor’s of Art in Political Science from Plymouth State University in 2010. She is currently in her third year of a Master of Social Work program at Boston University. Jane is a Certified Prevention Specialist in the State of New Hampshire. She has worked for the past ten years in the non-profit sector here in New Hampshire providing training, direct services, and community-focused services throughout the state.  

Carol Furlong has over 40 years of experience working with individuals experiencing both mental health and substance use issues. She has developed programs and presented workshops nationally and  internationally. She was an adjunct professor at Rivier College for 15 years and at Springfield college for 5 years. Working with individuals effected by many social determinants such as homeless individuals and homeless veterans, Carol has been inspired by the courage needed to address these issues.  

For more information and to register click here

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