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Back by popular demand, Northeast State’s Workforce Solutions is offering the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course to help individuals provide initial assistance to people experiencing a crisis. This skills-based course teaches participants how to identify and respond to signs of mental health or substance use challenges.

The MHFA course aims to teach participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Participants will learn the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

The training will be held on two course dates: May 10 or June 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Northeast State’s Blountville campus, Technical Education Complex, Room T027. The fee for the course is $85, which includes lunch.

Similar to First Aid and CPR courses, MHFA helps participants learn how to assist someone experiencing a crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved. The course instructor is Andrea Amos, assistant professor for College & Lifelong Learning at Northeast State.

One in five Americans has experienced a mental health challenge, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult to see, making it hard for friends and family members to know when and how to provide help.

Mental Health First Aiders will learn a 5-step action plan called ALGEE, which includes assessing the risk of suicide or harm, listening nonjudgmentally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging appropriate professional help, and promoting self-help and other support strategies.

All registration and fees must be completed and paid prior to attending the course. To register or for more information, contact Workforce Solutions at 423-354-5353 or email WorkforceSolutions@northeaststate.edu.