Sponsored by: Project AWARE Grant Awarded to ESD112 in Vancouver, WAInstructors: Kimberly Beeson and Scott Sturdivan

Audience: Security, administrators, teachers, field staff, chaperones, and paraprofessionals. Also appropriate for parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, and coaches.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour training course designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. Participants will be better able to help an adolescent (age 12 – 18) who is experiencing a mental health or substance abuse challenge.

The course utilizes role-playing and simulations to help participants gain skills to offer initial assistance in a mental health crisis and how to effectively connect adolescents to appropriate community resources. Participants will learn the common mental health challenges for youth, typical adolescent development, and a five-step action plan for how to help young people both in crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD),and eating disorders. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’sNational Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices includes Mental Health First Aid training.

Clock Hours: 8 clock hours will be available for an additional charge of $16. Checks or credit card payments accepted (no cash or American Express please).

Provided: Training materials and hot beverage service included. Schedule allows for two 15- minute breaks and a 30-minute "on your own" lunch break.

Fee: No cost to participants, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.

Last day to register: 9/27/17

Download a flyer here: http://events.psesd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Flyer-MHFA-at-PSESD-9-29-17.pdf