Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. There will be a training session offered on Tuesday, May 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 30-minute break for lunch, at the Thermal Belt Outreach Board Room, 134 White Dr., Columbus. Training is free. 

Who should know mental health first aid? Teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents, and adults who work with youth.

Mental health first aid covers common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD); Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges; How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis; How to connect the youth with help; Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

To register, or for more information, contact Haley Suskauer with the Polk County Division of Public Health at 828-894-8271 or hsuskauer@polknc.org. 

Submitted by Polk County Health & Wellness Coalition