Introduction

Mental Health First Aid Training

Mental Health First Aid Training

In observation of Mental Health Awareness Month, Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., will sponsor five free Mental Health First Aid training courses to the public in Gainesville and Lake City. Classes are limited, so sign up early, see the schedule below.

Similar to First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for medical emergencies, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trains participants to identify and respond through a five-step action plan to potential mental illness or substance use disorders until appropriate professional help can arrive.

Ideal for educators, school administrators and staff, MHFA participants are introduced to risk factors and warning signs, and engage in experiential activities that build understanding of the impact of illness on individuals, families and academic success.

Adult and Youth trainings will be held in Gainesville. Youth training will be held in Lake City. The eight-hour trainings normally cost $50. Sessions run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a one-hour break for lunch, and participants must attend the full session in order to earn Mental Health First Aider certification granted by the National Council on Behavioral Health.

Classes are limited to 20 participants per class and pre-registration is required. Register at http://mbhci.org/blog/. For more information about MHFA training, contact Laurie Michaelson, Director of Communications & Marketing, at Laurie_Michaelson@mbhci.org or (352) 374-5600 x 8218.

MHFA Adults

Monday, May 9, 2016, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gainesville Police Department, 413 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville

MFHA Youth

Friday, May 13, 2016, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., 4300 SW 13th Street, Gainesville

MFHA Youth

Friday, May 13, 2016, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lake City (TBD)

MHFA Youth

Friday, May 20, 2016, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., 4300 SW 13th Street, Gainesville

MHFA Adult

Friday, May 27, 2016, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., 4300 SW 13th Street, Gainesville