Spero Professional Development is now offering Adult Mental Health First Aid training. Mental Health First Aid is a national certification program providing skills-based training to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges that anyone would benefit from. Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism. Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. “This training would benefit county employees at all levels, including elected officials and county staff, human resources and benefits partners, front-line managers, law enforcement, corrections officers, fire and EMS services, teachers, administrators and I could go on”, says Kari Docherty, Spero Training Coordinator. “Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive care until it is too late. Having this knowledge can help us take the necessary steps to help others and work to make our community a safe one”
To learn more about Mental Health First Aid Training, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org/about. For pricing information or to schedule a training please call 618-242-1070 ext. 1259 or visit
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