The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Hosts free Mental Health First Aid Training on March 9, 8:30am. Similar to First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid teaches individuals how to help those experiencing mental health challenges or crises.

Mental health challenges – such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use – are shockingly common in the United States. In fact, more than one in five American adults will have a mental health problem in any given year. The National Council for Behavioral Health certifies individuals throughout the nation, including Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, to provide Mental Health First Aid courses to prepare their communities with the knowledge and skills to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Identified on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices, the training helps the public better identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses. For more information on Mental Health First Aid, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org.