AUBURN — In an effort to share potentially life-saving information about mental health, Sweetser, a nonprofit mental health organization with locations throughout Maine, is offering courses in Mental Health First Aid as a community education program.

The next course is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, in conjunction with Central Maine Community College in Auburn. The course will be held on the campus at 1250 Turner St. in room J113. This course is offered free of charge, but those who wish to attend will need to register as class size is limited. Registrations are accepted online at www.sweetsertraining.org/mhfa, by e-mail training@sweetser.org or by calling 207-294-4414.

Mental Health First Aid® is a nationally-endorsed 8-hour certification course, designed to engage participants in activities to build an understanding and recognize the signs, symptoms and impact of mental illness. Participants will learn a five-step action plan that teaches how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it helps participants identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Included in the training are strategies for helping someone experiencing mental health problems, how to approach someone in a mental health crisis, and an understanding of what to do if someone is feeling suicidal, harming themselves, or refusing help. Additional information, including additional upcoming trainings is listed at www.sweetsertraining.org/mhfa. 

FMI: 1-800-434-3000.

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