Chenango Health Network offers free mental health first aid courses
Chenango Health Network Mental Health First Aid Instructors Christine Paul and Jamie Hagenbuch before the first ever virtual mental health training session. (Submitted photo)
CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango Health Network held the first of their virtual mental health first aid classes yesterday, and have several more planned free of charge to participants.
According to Chenango Health Network Deputy Director Christine Paul, the first virtual class was a success, and they’re looking forward to hosting more in the future.
Paul said future class dates for this year include Feb 10, Feb 18, March 2, March 16, and March 24. She said times vary, and those interested in learning more may call (607) 337-4331.
“We’ve been offering this program for awhile, but now we’re able to offer it virtually which due to the pandemic was ideal,” said Paul. “We held our first virtual training yesterday which was successful, and we can’t wait to do more.”
Paul said it's likely that individuals will encounter someone, whether it is a student, friend, family member, neighbor, or community member struggling with an emotional or mental crisis.
Paul added that the course doesn’t teach individuals to diagnose, provide therapy, or counseling. She said the mental health first aid class teaches participants an action plan to help recognize an emotional crisis and move the individual struggling towards the proper care.
“It’s great doing in person training because of the bonds that you can have with the individuals, so that was probably one of the largest barriers to overcome with doing things virtually,” said Paul. “We want people to feel like they can share their feelings and stories, but sometimes zoom can make things more difficult.”
Paul said the course revolves around a key five step action plan which includes, assessing for risk of suicide or harm, listening non-judgmentally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging appropriate professional help, and encouraging self-help and other support strategies.
She said there are a variety of classes available including adult and youth focused mental health courses. She added that registration is required, and while the course is valued at approximately $170 per participant, thanks to grant funding it is provided at no cost.
Paul said she would like to see more law enforcement, dispatchers, and emergency medical service workers get involved in the programing though as always the general public is welcome and invited to take part.
According to Chenango Health Network Deputy Director Christine Paul, the first virtual class was a success, and they’re looking forward to hosting more in the future.
Paul said future class dates for this year include Feb 10, Feb 18, March 2, March 16, and March 24. She said times vary, and those interested in learning more may call (607) 337-4331.
“We’ve been offering this program for awhile, but now we’re able to offer it virtually which due to the pandemic was ideal,” said Paul. “We held our first virtual training yesterday which was successful, and we can’t wait to do more.”
Paul said it's likely that individuals will encounter someone, whether it is a student, friend, family member, neighbor, or community member struggling with an emotional or mental crisis.
Paul added that the course doesn’t teach individuals to diagnose, provide therapy, or counseling. She said the mental health first aid class teaches participants an action plan to help recognize an emotional crisis and move the individual struggling towards the proper care.
“It’s great doing in person training because of the bonds that you can have with the individuals, so that was probably one of the largest barriers to overcome with doing things virtually,” said Paul. “We want people to feel like they can share their feelings and stories, but sometimes zoom can make things more difficult.”
Paul said the course revolves around a key five step action plan which includes, assessing for risk of suicide or harm, listening non-judgmentally, giving reassurance and information, encouraging appropriate professional help, and encouraging self-help and other support strategies.
She said there are a variety of classes available including adult and youth focused mental health courses. She added that registration is required, and while the course is valued at approximately $170 per participant, thanks to grant funding it is provided at no cost.
Paul said she would like to see more law enforcement, dispatchers, and emergency medical service workers get involved in the programing though as always the general public is welcome and invited to take part.
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