One in five people will have a panic attack once in their lifetime. What would you do when this happens to a student, loved one, or church member?
Attend the Youth Mental Health First Aid course to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to help, and how to guide the youth to professional help. University of Missouri Extension is sponsoring Youth Mental Health First Aid training on Thursday, March 29 in Poplar Bluff.
The training will be held at the Extension's Butler County office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The registration fee is $10, which includes lunch and a workbook. This course is POST certified for eight interpersonal hours and CEUs are available for an additional charge. Instructors, who are certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainers, include Stephanie Milner, 4-H Youth Development Specialist for University of Missouri Extension, and Human Development Specialist Mary Engram.
This eight-hour course teaches people how to give first aid to youth experiencing a mental health crisis situation. Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems, where and when to get help, and what type of help has been shown to be effective. The purpose of the program is to also demystify the whole topic of mental illness, and to increase mental health literacyand to decrease misconceptions, stereotypes or biases concerning mental health illnesses.
Specific audiences for the training vary, but include key professions such as youth volunteers, first responders, primary care professionals, nursing home staff, school administration and educators. Other participating entities include faith communities, employers, chambers of commerce, state policymakers, mental health advocacy organizations, shelter volunteers, families and the general public.
For more information and to register contact the University of Missouri Extension Center at 573-686-8064.
MU is an equal opportunity/ADA institution.