Are you interested in helping support students who are experiencing mental health challenges? Albemarle County Public Schools is excited to offer Mental Health First Aid training to all staff. Mark your calendar: Between October 2022 and April 2023, we will offer six opportunities for staff to participate.
About the Training
Mental Health First Aid helps individuals assist someone who is experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. In the Mental Health First Aid course, participants learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. For more information about the training, visit Mental Health First Aid: What You Learn.
The Mental Health First Aid training follows a hybrid model that requires about 2 hours of pre-work before a 4.5-hour in-person training session. The session will cover the ALGEE action plan for supporting youth experiencing a mental health challenge:
Assess for risk of suicide or harm
Listen nonjudgmentally
Give reassurance and information
Encourage appropriate professional help
Encourage self-help and other support strategies
2022-23 In-Person Training Sessions:
- Tuesday, October 25 | 4 to 8:30 p.m. | Center I
- Wednesday, November 2 | 4 to 8:30 p.m. | Center I
- Tuesday, January 10 | 4 to 8:30 p.m. | Center I
- Monday, February 6 | 4 to 8:30 p.m. | Center I
- Monday, March 6 | 4 to 8:30 p.m. | Center I
- Tuesday, April 18 | 4 to 8:30 p.m. | County Office Building – McIntire, Room 320
Registration
Register online through the Professional Learning Management System (PLMS): Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).
Hint: Click “View All Sections” to see the full list of session options.
Questions
If you have questions or need more information, please contact Miles Nelson, ACPS Coordinator of Mental Health & Wellness.