There are a few spots open for a couple of mental health-related training courses coming up in Greene County.

A Juvenile Mental Health First Aid Class is scheduled for this Wednesday from 8am to 4:30pm and a Mental Health First Aid Class will be offered Friday, March 1st, also from 8am to 4:30pm. Both classes will be at the education classroom of Greene County Medical Center. CICS Service Coordination Officer Betsy Stursma describes what the classes are about.

“It really gives people an opportunity to learn about, what does a mental health crisis look like? What might that be for somebody who you see in the community or a loved one that you’re interacting with, what does that look like? Also then what can you do until you can get professionals (there)? Similar to First Aid, we don’t expect people to be able to diagnose or to treat individuals. But really just kind of identifying somebody that’s in a crisis and then how do we loop in and get professionals involved?”

Trainings are free and open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited. Contact Greene County Coordinator for Disability Services Ellen Ritter at 386-5686 or email her at ellen.ritter@cicsmhds.org to sign up.