ETSU offering ‘Mental Health First Aid’ course
ETSU’s Office of Professional Development is offering Mental Health First Aid courses during the month of November.
East Tennessee State University’s Office of Professional Development will offer two “Mental Health First Aid” trainings this month.
“Mental Health First Aid” is a public education program that introduces participants
to risk factors and warning signs of mental illnesses, builds understanding of their
impact and gives an overview of common support frameworks.
Training will take place on Nov. 14 at the ETSU Innovation Lab and on Nov. 17 at ETSU
at Sevierville. The skills-based course is designed to teach people how to identify,
understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges.
Similar to physical first aid and CPR training, “Mental Health First Aid” aims to
train participants on how to assist someone experiencing a crisis until professional
assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved.
One-in-five Americans has experienced a mental health challenge, but many are reluctant
to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms
of mental health and substance use challenges can be difficult to see. Friends and
family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those
in need of mental health services often do not receive care when needed.
“Mental Health First Aid” participants learn a five-step action plan that guides them
through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support and is for anyone
interested in helping to make their community healthier, happier and safer.
“I’m looking forward to community conversations that work toward erasing the stigma
that surrounds mental health,” said instructor Ruth Taylor Read. “It is important
in every community that mental health has the same quality of support that we see
in physical health.”
From classroom experiences to public workshops, ETSU aims to improve the quality of
life for the people of this region and beyond.
For more information and to enroll, visit the course registration page or call (800) 222-3878. For disability accommodations, contact the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.
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East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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