There are a few opportunities left this spring for Washington County residents to receive free mental health first aid training for kids and adults.

ISU Extension and Outreach Human Sciences Specialist Dawn Dunnegan says they have partnered with a local organization to provide this free training which teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse, “This is a statewide training and it is the Washington County Mental Health Coalition that has taken it upon themselves to really showcase it in Washington County and to provide the training for free. If you’re a Washington County resident upon registration in the promotional area there is an opportunity to enter code ‘Washington’ and Washington County residents can attend the trainings for free.”

The adult mental health first aid training is recommended for employers, police officers, hospital staff, first responders, and faith leaders, and the youth training for teachers and school staff, coaches, parents, and other community members. There is one adult session left scheduled for April 22nd, and two youth sessions scheduled for April 21st and May 19th. A link to register is included here.