RCPS is offering mental health first aid classes to identify youths in crisis

A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can help. Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is offering Youth Mental Health First Aid classes March 17 – June 21, for community members and employees. Register by visiting www.surveymonkey.com/r/YMHFA18

This free, one-day course teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorders. Participants do not learn to diagnose, nor how to provide any therapy or counseling – rather, participants learn to support a youth developing signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in an emotional crisis by applying a core five-step action plan.

This eight-hour course is open to the community and designed for adults who work with young people, such as teachers, coaches, leaders of faith communities, social workers, mentors, club leaders and more.  RCPS employees who attend are eligible for a $100 stipend.

Through funding from Health TRUST Rockdale, the grant-making arm of the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County, RCPS is able to provide this training at no cost to youth-serving adults in Rockdale County. Mental Health First Aid is included on SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP).

Classes are offered on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, June 5, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.
• Thursday, June 7, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.
• Monday, June 11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.
• Tuesday, June 12, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.,RCA Media Center.
• Wednesday, June 13, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.
• Thursday, June 14, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.
• Monday, June 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.
• Wednesday, June 20, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.
• Thursday, June 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., RCA Media Center.

To register, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/YMHFA18