ISU Extension and Outreach offering Mental Health First Aid Training

In response to the nation’s mental health crisis, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Allamakee County will bring Mental Health First Aid training to Waukon Tuesday, June 4. This groundbreaking skills-based course gives people the tools to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge - and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary.

One in five Americans has a mental illness, and the pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect.

Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive care until it is too late.

Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a five-step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support. The class qualifies as continuing education credits for many professions, including social workers and nurses.

“This program is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one another. Without mental health, there is no health,” said Danielle Day, Family Wellbeing Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Allamakee County Extension Council will be sponsoring a Mental Health First Aid class at no cost to the public Tuesday, June 4 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Office, Allamakee County at 218 7th Ave SE, Suite 102, Waukon. Lunch and refreshments are included. This class is limited to the first 30 participants.

For more information or to register for the Mental Health First Aid training in Waukon visit www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/MHFA online or contact Danielle Day by email at daday@iastate.edu or at 319-377-9839.