MUSCATINE, Iowa — UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine Public Health will offer free mental health training sessions in April to equip the community with the skills for recognizing the warning signs and assisting individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges.
The organization will host two separate Mental Health First Aid courses. One will focus on supporting youth ages 12 to 18 and another for adults. Registration is required, and space is limited. Interested individuals can register online.
The virtual classeswill be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are scheduled for:
- Friday, April 3 (Youth).
- Friday, April 24 (Adult).
“Mental health was identified as a top health priority in our most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, and this is one way we’re answering that call,” said Jen Craft, Trinity Muscatine Public Health director. “Mental health impacts every part of a person’s life, from relationships to work to overall well-being, which is why this type of training is important.”
Participants will learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges. They also will learn how to approach someone who may need support and ways to navigate difficult conversations. The training also covers available mental health resources and strategies to reduce stigma.
“These sessions are open to anyone in the community – parents, educators or employers,” Ms. Craft said. “You don’t need a mental health background, just a willingness to better understand mental health issues and learn how to support others.”
