Mental Health First Aid Training Available to ALL Stratford Residents

Mental Health First Aid Training

 Stratford, Connecticut (April 22, 2014) –

Sterling House Community Center and Town of Stratford Community Services is sponsoring Mental Health First Aid Training as part of May as Mental Health Awareness month activities.  The course, open to Stratford residents and those who work in Stratford, is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday May 17, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Birdseye Municipal Complex, 468 Birdseye Street, Stratford.

Mental Health First Aid is an internationally recognized, evidence based course that gives the information needed to help someone who is possibly developing a mental health disorder or is experiencing a high level of distress related to a mental health or substance use disorder. The course is intended to decrease stigma and increase the general publics’ understanding of these common challenges.  During this interactive, 8 hour training, you will learn:

• The prevalence of mental illness in the U.S.
• The potential warning signs, symptoms and treatment of the most common mental health and substance use disorders.
• A 5 step action plan to assist individuals and to get them to help if in crisis.
• Resources available to those with mental health and substance use disorders.

This training is free of charge for Stratford residents and those who work in Stratford thanks to a grant from AT&T to Sterling House Community Center in cooperation with Town of Stratford Community Services. Training includes a 3 year MHFA certification (you must attend both dates, entire eight hours), MHFA manual and hand-outs, as well as meals. Space is limited. Please register by May 2, 2014 by calling Stratford Community Services at (203) 385-4095, or emailing mmariconda@townofstratford.com.