New London — Lawrence + Memorial Hospital will offer a free, two-part certification training course on Youth Mental Health First Aid from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 29 and May 6.

The program will meet in Baker Auditorium at the main hospital.

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 who are in crisis situations. In addition, the program is designed to connect youth with the appropriate professional, peer, social or self-care they need.

This free two-day course is designed for adults who work with youth ages 12 to 18, such as teachers, coaches, faith leaders, police officers, youth group leaders and parents. 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, disruptive behavior disorders and substance-abuse issues. 

This course will be led by Dr. Robert Harrison and Scott Mueller, assistant professor of social work at Rhode Island College. 

Admission is free, but space is limited. To register, send an email to Dr. Harrison at rharrison@westerlyhospital.org or call (800) 562-2537.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based program coordinated by the National Council for Behavioral Health.