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 July 17th! 

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

Anne Hamel 

Anne is a Master Trainer in Mental Health First Aid and was formerly the Associate Director of Employment and Workforce Development at The Light House Shelter and Homeless Prevention Center. Anne spent 11 years as a Corporate Litigator at Venable, LLP, in Baltimore and then 10 years as a Corporate Litigator at Corbin, Schaeffer and Aviles in Severna Park, MD. Anne serves on the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County’s Board of Trustees and is also a member of CFAAC’s Fund Development, Governance and Nominating, and Audit Committees. She holds an A.B. in Politics from Princeton University and a J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law.