Mental Health First Aid Training Planned For Next Month

help-3
help-3

The Healthy Berrien Consortium in partnership with Riverwood Center is offering free mental health first aid training next month. The eight hour course will be on Thursday, April 18. Riverwood Center Mental Health First Aid Instructor Kimberly Sparkmon tells WSJM News the program has been in the community for several years, and as many as 1,000 people in Berrien County have received the training. She calls it “first aid for the brain.”

“You are more likely to encounter someone having a mental health crisis than a heart attack,” Sparkmon said. “Knowing how to respond is key. Becoming certified in mental health first aid can save a life.”

The training can prepare someone to help a person experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts. Sparkmon says those who receive the training will also get a Mental Health First Aid Certificate. The training will be held at the Consortium For Community Development in Benton Harbor on the 18th from 8:30 to 5. Those who want to register should call 269-983-8273.