Mental Health First Aid Classes Coming to SCC

Mental Health First Aid, a 12-hour course trains and certifies participants to give initial help to someone who may be developing or in mental health crises. The two-day training will be offered on Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5 in the Business and Industry Training Center, room J1024, at Shawnee Community College's main campus in Ullin. The training will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:45 p.m.

The aid training is not a substitute for professional help, but may help in stabilizing the person until appropriate help can be engaged. Trainees will learn the signs and symptoms of the most common mental health problems, where and when to get help, and what type of help is shown to be effective. Participants completing the 12-hour course will be certified through Mental Health First Aid USA. For more information about certification visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.

"In today's economy, people are experiencing more and more stress and uncertainty in their lives. From individuals losing jobs, to people struggling to meet their educational goals, today's world has become very complicated. For decades, we have focused on physical needs by training individuals in CPR/first aid. It's exciting to have a program that addresses mental health needs by training individuals to assist people in crisis." Monica Brahler, LCSW, Student Counselor at Shawnee Community College.

The course qualifies for 12 CEU/CPDU. Shawnee Community College is an approved continuing education sponsor for Social Work.

The course fee is $119, which includes books and lunch both days. The fee for companies sending two or more employees will be $109 each.

To register or for additional information, please contact Gabriele Farner at 618-634-3254 or gabrielef@shawneecc.edu.