Do you work with young people and want to learn valuable skills to help identify and understand mental health and substance abuse challenges among adolescents, as well as offer vital support to those in need?
The Breaking Through Task Force of Dare County, partnering with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services, is offering upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) virtual courses in March and April to interested adults who interact with youth and want to make a difference in their lives. The course will be held via Zoom on March 24 & 25 and April 21 & 22 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Youth Mental Health First Aid provides participants with the skills they need to confidently and effectively respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorder among young people.
“In today’s world, Youth Mental Health First Aiders are so important in ensuring that our young people get the support and help they need during difficult times,” said certified YMHFA instructor Kelly Fleming, who is The Breaking Through Task Force co-chair and Dare County Department of Health & Human Services Health Education & Outreach Supervisor. “During this course, participants will learn how to use a proven five-step action plan that can help them to identify and safely respond to potential mental health challenges among young people.”
Created in 2001 in Australia, Mental Health First Aid has been available in the United States since 2008. Mental Health First Aid USA is operated by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
Participants must live, work, or worship in Dare County to participate in this training. It is recommended that course participants have a computer with a webcam, microphone, and speakers. Two hours of pre-course work is required. Registration is also required. For more information about the upcoming Youth Mental Health First Aid courses in Dare County, please contact Kelly Fleming at kelly.fleming@darenc.gov.
