NAMI Four Seasons has worked for three years with Western Highlands LME, N.C. affiliates, community and law enforcement agencies to develop and advocate for a crisis intervention team (CIT) training class. In November 2010 NAMI Four Seasons and NAMI TransylvaniaTA hosted their first CIT class.
NAMI Four Seasons will host the second CIT training class, which will be held at the Blue Ridge Community College from Oct. 31 – Nov. 4. These classes are taught by trained instructors and incorporate providers, people with mental disabilities and family members. Two CIT officers from the Hendersonville Police Department will assist in teaching the class.
Four CIT officers will speak at the general NAMI meeting on Saturday, Sept. 17 about their experiences in using CIT training on the job. The meeting  is open to the public. For more information, call Barbara Smith at 828-272-5080.
NAMI Four Seasons will also host a fundraising event Saturday, Oct. 8 at Bo Thomas Auditorium, Blue Ridge Community College.
Pete Earley, author of the book “Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness,” will be the keynote speaker.
Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to promote and advocate CIT training for more law enforcement, jail staff, dispatchers, emergency service providers, judicial community, local elected officials and others.
Visit www.namifourseasons.org for more information about the fundraiser.
– article submitted  by Barbara Smith