Free Mental Health First Aid Course

CANANDAIGUA – UR Medicine Thompson Health’s Wellness Department is offering a Mental Health First Aid class for community members who are interested in learning how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults.
The training – created by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing – is offered free of charge. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at Wood Library, 134 N. Main St. in Canandaigua.
The course has been offered to Thompson’s staff members several times, but this is only the second time the health system has offered the class to the community, and the first time this year.
Wellness Coordinator Kristen Seyfried said the interest in the class reflects the importance of conversations about mental health. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, one in five U.S. adults experience mental illness.
“I think everyone sees the need for a course like this. Although this can help them with their job, the great thing about Mental Health First Aid is that it can also be used in all aspects of a person’s life, not just at work,” Seyfried said.
Space is limited. To register, call 585-396-6111.