Westerly — The Westerly Hospital, in partnership with Washington County Coalition for Children, will offer a free, two-part certification training course on Youth Mental Health First Aid on June 4 and 11 at the hospital’s Henry J. Nardone Conference Center.

Similar to other first aid/CPR courses, participants who successfully complete the course will be certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. Certification will be valid for three years.

This eight-hour certification course will be taught in two parts, and attendance is required at both sessions. Both classes will take place from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The course will be taught by Dr. Robert Harrision, Westerly Hospital physician, and Susan Orban, coordinator for the Washington County Coalition for Children, both of whom are certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a mental health literacy program designed to teach adults a five-step action plan to offer initial help to young people facing mental health challenges or in crisis situations as well as connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self-care they need.

This free course is designed for adults who work with young people, ages 12-18, including teachers, coaches, leaders of faith communities, police officers, youth group leaders, parents and other caring citizens. The interactive curriculum teaches participants the risk factors and warning signs of a variety of mental health challenges common among adolescents, including anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating disorders, AD/HD, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance use disorders.

Space is limited to 25 participants. To register, contact Harrison at rharrison@westerlyhospital.org or at: (401) 316-4134.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based program coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health. For information, visit www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.