Did you know that nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness? Mental Health First Aid training will teach you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorders.

These courses, led by expert trainers in the mental health field and certified by the National Council for Mental Well Being, will give you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance abuse problem and how to connect them to the appropriate care. You will also learn how to apply the ALGEE action plan: Assess for risk of suicide or harm; Listen nonjudgmentally; Give reassurance and information; Encourage appropriate professional help; and Encourage self-help and other support strategies. Check out this flyer detailing Mental Health First Aid.

The Adult Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone age 18 and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem.

Each course is $25/person and includes training and materials; in-person classes includes refreshments. Each course is limited to 30 participants.

Important: To receive a certificate of completion, you must register by September 4th!  You must complete both sessions to receive a certificate. The sessions will not be recorded. 

This course is VIRTUALLY in taught in TWO 3-hour courses (one hour of on-line prep work is required)
Dates:  Tuesday, September 17, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 
            Tuesday, September 24, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

COURSE FORMAT

• Activities: Participants will learn through involvement—working with the material and applying what they learn to real-life situations. Discussion topics, exercises, and other activities will keep attendees engaged in the course and give them an opportunity to practice helping skills.
• Environment: The instructors lead each course and follow a national curriculum and teaching standards, while emphasizing hope for recovery. Classes will consist of 30 people or less, and are offered in a respectful, comfortable environment.

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Naeemah Staggs, MHS
Naeemah is a Senior Training Specialist at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. She has almost 20 years of experience in child welfare and her expertise lies in foster care, behavioral health, and working with LGBTQ youth. In addition to being a Senior Training Specialist at U of MD, Naeemah is also a National Trainer and Certified Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid Instructor, a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, a Standards for Excellence Institute licensed consultant and author. Naeemah has a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University and is currently studying for her Doctorate in Education at Frostburg State University. She also serves on the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s Board of Trustees and serves as a member of CFAAC’s Governance and Nominating Committee.

Virtual events will not be recorded.

Having Trouble Registering? Chrome is the recommended browser, you can also email ashley@cfaac.org.