NY FarmNet is partnering with Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program to bring Mental Health First Aid to the area on February 4 from 8:30 am to 5 pm at Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension Office, Voorheesville. Cost is $50, which covers materials and lunch. Register online http://ccext.net/CAAHP/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=30.
This is a chance for field representatives, farm neighbors, and agency people to learn how to start a conversation with someone who seems to really be reaching out or needing some help with their emotions or mental health.
Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common supports.
This 8-hour course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect persons to the appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. The program also teaches the common risk factors and warning signs of specific types of illnesses, like anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and schizophrenia.
Learn more about Mental Health First Aid here: www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org
Additional dates for regional Mental Health First Aid Trainings include:
January 17 at the Wyoming County Agriculture and Business Center
February 1 at Madison County Cornell Cooperative Extension
February 4 at Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension
February 28 at SUNY Potsdam in partnership with St. Lawrence County Cornell Cooperative Extension