ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District (ISD) is offering a resource to equip adults with life-saving skills to help young people facing mental health struggles.
The Delta Schoolcraft ISD is hosting a Youth Mental Health First Aid course on Thursday, February 8. Attendees will learn common signs of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and ADHD in children ages 9 to 18. The course will also cover topics like substance use challenges, interacting with a young person in distress, and connecting them with the help that they need.
According to ISD Mental Health Services Coordinator Kristy Alimenti, the course is made possible by a Project AWARE grant. She says the need for adults with the tools to address youth mental health needs has increased since the pandemic.
“We know from research that one in five teens will experience a mental health challenge before the age of 18,” said Alimenti. “The more people we have trained as trusted adults in their lives, the more our youth will benefit and be connected to the appropriate care.”
The Youth Mental Health First Aid course is intended for any adult who lives, works, or interacts with young people on a regular basis. It is a blended course, with two hours of online work beforehand, followed by an in-person session from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Registration is open through the end of the day on Friday, February 2. Another course will be offered in June for anyone interested in taking it in the future.
Click here to register for the Youth Mental Health First Aid course. Visit the Delta Schoolcraft ISD Facebook page for updates on future trainings.
