Lebanon
The two-day training will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, June 6 and 7, at Hypertherm, 71 Heater Road, Lebanon.
Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults is a public education program that introduces participants to the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems in adults over the age of 65, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches individuals how to help an older adult in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.
Alice Ely, executive director of the Public Health Council, said that the program aligns with the council’s priorities.
“We are committed to helping older adults stay strong and independent, and we continuously look for ways to support people living with mental illness,” she said in a news release.
The Public Health Council works with a number of community-based volunteer groups and many local organizations who serve older adults. We are also the fiscal sponsor for the Upper Valley Community Nursing Project, which provides advocacy, training, and technical assistance to communities who want to add a health professional to the informal network of volunteers already providing care for elders. The PHC role includes enhancing the knowledge and skills of our partners and Mental Health First Aid is an important piece of this work.
The class will be taught by two certified instructors, and participants will learn a five-step action plan to help loved ones, colleagues, neighbors and others cope with mental health or substance use problems. The program runs from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each days. The cost of participation is $25, and space is limited.
To register, contact Alice Ely at 603-523-7100 or alice.ely@uvpublichealth.org.