A free session of Adult Mental Health First Aid Training is being offered by the NWMO Medical Reserve Corps of St. Joseph in recognition of Mental Health Month (May).

The City of St. Joseph Health Department is host to the Northwest Missouri Medical Reserve Corps of St. Joseph, which has supported the process for two instructors to become certified to train others in Mental Health First Aid.

The Mental Health First Aid Training session is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and conclude on
Wednesday, May 11 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The eight-hour course is open to the public but limited to the first 30 people. Pre-registration ends May 6th, reserve a spot by calling 816-271-4725, option 2. The training will be held at Woodson Chapel Christian Church at 2525 St. Joseph Avenue, Saint Joseph, MO.

“This important training helps dispel the stigma associated with mental illness, it provides support, and by offering Mental Health First Aid training to people with a variety of life perspectives, our community is better equipped and informed,” said Kelly Kibirige, RN, and coordinator for the NWMO Medical Reserve Corps of St. Joseph.

The Mental Health First Aid course teaches how to recognize and assess substance abuse & mental health conditions; how to help someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a related crisis; and how to assess and respond in an escalating situation.