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The national training program is to be offered at no cost to residents and workers in the Ridgewood community, according to course organizers.
Those who complete the course will become certified in Mental Health First Aid, which – much like CPR – is a vital skill, according to organizers.
“Mental Health First Aid is a public education program that can help individuals across the community to understand mental illnesses, support timely intervention and save lives,” said Dawn Cetrulo, Ridgewood supervisor of health, in a statement.
According to organizers, the two-day course is evidence-based and interactive and teaches the signs of mental illness and substance abuse. Attendees also will learn a five-step action plan to respond to a mental health crisis and how to initiate a referral to mental health resources.
As part of the Stigma-Free Initiative, the course aims to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance abuse and to promote recovery and resiliency, according to organizers.
Parts I and II of the course are scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Monday, July 18 and Tuesday, July 19. Students must attend both sessions for certification.
Both parts of the course are to take place in the fourth floor courtroom at Ridgewood’s Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue. Seats are limited to the first 30 registrants.
To register, email Zachary Ehrlich at zehrlich@ridgewoodnj.net or call 201-670-5500 x241. Those seeking to register will be asked to provide their name, email address, telephone number and organization affiliation.
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