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by Sara Swanson

We reported last month that although decreasing from the previous year, Manchester still has the highest rate of suicide completion in Washtenaw County, and a higher rate than Michigan’s overall suicide rate. One organization actively working to decrease suicide in our area is Chelsea Hospital. They have organized two upcoming Mental Health Trainings in Chelsea this summer that Manchester residents are encouraged to attend. Both trainings are free and all relevant materials will be provided, as well as a light lunch. (Participants are welcome to bring snacks or their own lunch.) This is your chance to help decrease the suicide rate in Manchester!

MHFA

Mental Health First Aid is a training for adults 18+ to be able to recognize and help other adults who may be experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. This course is scheduled for July 11 from 9:30am to 3:30pm at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 14600 Old U.S. Highway 12, Chelsea. Registration is required and closes July 5 at 5pm. To register visit tinyurl.com/mhfa711. Prior to the instructor-led session on July 11, learners must complete 2 hours of self-paced pre-work. This course is free through a grant from SAMHSA.

The training covers:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.
• How to interact with a person in crisis.
• How to connect a person with help.
• Expanded content on trauma and self-care.

This course is recommended for caring individuals, faith community leaders, caregivers, employers, parents, community members, and anyone who is 18+.

YMHFA

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in youth. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. This course is scheduled for August 22 from 10am to 4pm in the 5 Healthy Towns Conference Room, 14800 E Old US 12, in Chelsea. Registration is required and closes August 16 at 5pm. To register visit tinyurl.com/ymhfa822. This course features a 2-hour self-paced course and 5 hours of instructor-led training.

The course covers many topics, including:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges in this age group.
• How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis.
• How to connect the youth with help.
• Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying.

This course is recommended for school staff, parents, and caregivers, coaches, camp counselors, first responders, youth group leaders, community members, and anyone who cares about the well-being of youth in the community. You must be 18+.

If you have any questions about either course, email sarah.wilczynski@trinity-health.org.