Events

The Effingham County Health Department is offering a Mental Health First Aid Class to members of the public. The class will be held at the HSHS St. Anthony’s Hospital Auditorium on Tuesday, August 22nd from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Registration is required, and lunch will be provided. Training will also be given on recognizing the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, appropriate care and how to administer Narcan.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a groundbreaking public education program that helps the public identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The eight-hour training course developed in Australia is designed to give members of the public key skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Those who take the course become certified as Mental Health First Aiders.

The Mental Health First Aid course is appropriate for anyone 18 years and older who wants to learn how to help a person who may be experiencing a mental health related crisis or problem. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.

To register for this class please call the Effingham County Health Department on 217-342-9237 and ask for Lyndsey. Lunch will be provided, and dietary needs must be noted when registering. Class size is limited.

Funding for this class was provided to the Effingham County Health Department by the ARISE grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).