How Brevard Is Teaching Residents to Recognize a Mental-Health Crisis
A public Adult Mental Health First Aid course will teach Brevard residents how to recognize warning signs, respond without judgment and connect someone with help.
Knowing that someone is struggling and knowing what to do next are two very different things. A public course offered through UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County is designed to close that gap.
The next Adult Mental Health First Aid training is scheduled for Friday, August 28, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at OMNI Healthcare's Melbourne Medical Center, 1344 S. Apollo Boulevard.
What participants learn
The evidence-based course is open to medical staff, teachers, volunteers and any resident who wants to feel better prepared when an adult is experiencing a mental-health or substance-use challenge.
Participants learn how to recognize common warning signs, provide initial support and guide someone toward professional resources. The course uses a five-step action plan called ALGEE:
- Approach and assess for risk of suicide or harm.
- Listen without judgment.
- Give reassurance and information.
- Encourage appropriate professional help.
- Encourage self-help and other support strategies.
The goal is not to turn a neighbor, teacher or manager into a therapist. It is to help an ordinary person start a safer conversation, recognize when a situation is urgent and know where to connect someone next.
Registration details
Registration starts at $65 per person and is required by 5 p.m. August 14 because space is limited. The county's release links directly to the Eventbrite registration page.
Questions and accommodation requests can be directed to the Extension office at (321) 633-1702. The office asks for at least two weeks' notice when an accommodation must be arranged.
Anyone needing immediate crisis support should not wait for a class. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.
Sources
Kimberly Smith
Kimberly reports on nonprofits, volunteers, public health, and the neighbors turning good intentions into measurable local change. She looks for clear ways readers can understand a need, meet the people responding to it, and take part themselves.
