October 30, 2019 - 10:42am -- karhoff.41@osu.edu

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

The Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem.  This training is specifically targeted for our rural populations and our agriculture community.

Three sessions will be offered. The first one will be held at the Williams County OSU Extension Office on January 7, 2020. The second one will be held at the Defiance County OSU Extension Office on January 23, 2020, and the third will be held at the Fulton County OSU Extension Office on January 30, 2020. All classes will be from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are limited to 30 registrants each. Cost is $15 per person, which covers instructional materials and lunch. Payment and registration form (available online here) may be submitted to the Fulton County OSU Extension Office at 8770 SR 108, Suite A, Wauseon, OH 43567 (night drop available).  Call 419-337-9210 or e-mail seiler.58@osu.edu for assistance.

Take a course. Save a life. Strengthen your community.