Karen Weaver's Fight for Clean Water November 2017 | Page 23

First responders and
the community
The eight-hour class teaches participants key steps for crisis intervention such as how to
assess risk of suicide or harm; how to listen non-judgmentally; how to give reassurance
and information; how to encourage appropriate professional help; and how to encourage
self-help and other support strategies. Participants also learn about key psychiatric
disorders among adults―depression or mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis,
and substance use disorders. The sessions can be even tailored for specific groups such
as veterans, youth, and the elderly.
The National Council of Behavioral Health has trained about 500,000 people nationwide
in mental health first aid. In the next five years, the council expects to train five million
more people, with a continued focus on public employees and community members.