Purdue Extension to hold Mental Health First Aid courses

Purdue Extension will host several Mental Health First Aid courses this fall to teach participants how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis, or has signs of substance use disorders, including opioid use.

Participants learn skills for having conversations about mental health and supporting those who may need help. This may be of particular interest to faculty and staff looking for ways to better support students and colleagues. It may also help when navigating challenging circumstances taking place in one’s own life or among friends and family.

Mental Health First Aid courses will educate on signs and symptoms of a variety of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, trauma and deliberate self-injury. Participants will learn how to assist those in need during specific situations in an attempt to get an individual appropriate help from a health professional. Raising awareness and understanding of these disorders can reduce the stigma often associated with seeking resources and care.

The courses, which are open to the public, run 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and are limited to 30 participants. Registration is required and the cost is $50, which includes a Mental Health First Aid manual and a lunch.

Registration for the on-campus courses can be completed by using the links below.

* Aug. 27 (M), William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center

* Oct. 9 (T), Johnson Hall of Nursing, Room B2

* Oct. 23 (T), Stone Hall, Room B2

* Nov. 8 (Th), William H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center 

Purdue Extension has a team of certified facilitators of Mental Health First Aid who bring this course to campus, communities, organizations and businesses across the state. For more information about Mental Health First Aid or to view a complete listing of course offerings both on and off campus, visit www.extension.purdue.edu/opioids.

For more information, contact Stephanie Woodcox, assistant program leader of Purdue Extension-Health and Human Sciences, at 765-494-8253 or swoodcox@purdue.edu.