Community Services Board offers courses for the public on Mental Health First Aid

Do you have a family member or friend with mental illness? Would you know what to do if they experience a mental health crisis?

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board is hosting two-day courses on Mental Health First Aid in January and February at the Merrifield Center.
You are more likely to encounter someone experiencing a mental health crisis than someone having a heart attack, the Community Services Board notes. These courses teach the public to recognize common warning signs and risk factors for mental health problems and provide a five-step action plan and resources for helping someone in crisis.

The courses would be appropriate for first responders, teachers, faith community leaders, human resources professionals, parents, employers, coworkers, and community members.

Courses on Adult Mental Health First Aid will be held at the Merrifield Center on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26; Feb. 5-6; and two consecutive Saturdays, March 17 and March 24. All sessions are 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

A course on Youth Mental Health First Aid will be held Feb. 12 and 13, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Merrifield Center.

Register online. The Merrifield Center is at 8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax. There is a $25 materials fee for the two-day courses. The courses are free for Fairfax government employees.