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First-aid training classes slated

Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, VA)
Nov 23, 2014

Nov. 23--The Rappahannock Area Community Services Board has scheduled dates next year to provide first-aid training for people who help someone developing or experiencing a mental health challenge.

The services board provides both the adult and youth curriculums of the Mental Health First Aid training.

The eight-hour training sessions are available to local organizations and members of the public. After taking the course, participants will be better able to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness or addiction.

In a press release, RACSB Executive Director Ron Branscome said, "Nearly 150 local community members have received the adult and youth Mental Health First Aid trainings from RACSB since spring 2014."

Branscome noted that those who take the classes will be taught the skills necessary to help make encounters with an individual in crisis successful.

"They are also better able to help connect the individual experiencing a mental health challenge with local resources like counseling or support groups," Branscome said in the release.

Participants will learn the common risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses to include anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

The curriculum is provided over two days. There is a registration fee of $15, which includes a workbook and lunch the first day of the training. Sessions are limited to 25 participants and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Adult Mental Health First Aid training will be held:

Jan. 12-13

March 16-17

May 11-12

July 13-14

Sept. 14-15

Nov. 16-17.

The training sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first day, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the second day.

All of the Adult Mental Health First Aid training sessions will be held at the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, 2275 Third St., Middletown.

To register for the adult course, contact Michelle Miner, therapist/CIT program manager, at 540/899-4357 or mminer@racsb.state.va.us.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid training will be held:

Feb. 12-13 at the Bowman Center

April 9-10 at the Bowman Center

June 18-19 at Rappahannock United Way

Aug. 13-14 at Rappahannock United Way

Oct. 8-9 at Rappahannock United Way

Dec. 3-4 at Rappahannock United Way.

The youth training sessions are from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the first day, and from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the second day.

To register contact Jennifer Bateman, prevention specialist, at 540/374-3337 or jbateman@racsb.state.va.us.

Visit racsb.state.va.us for additional information or a training flier.

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(c)2014 The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, Va.)

Visit The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg, Va.) at www.fredericksburg.com/flshome

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