Jewish Federation of St. Louis has partnered with NAMI St. Louis (National Alliance for Mental Illness) to offer a free mental health first aid training for professionals and volunteer leaders in the Jewish community. The training will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 pm. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Jewish Federation building, 12 Millstone Campus Dr.

The Mental Health First Aid course (MHFA) is designed to teach individuals how to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person towards appropriate treatments and other supportive help, including the five-step MHFA Action Plan. Topics include understanding mental disorders including depression and anxiety, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, factors that lead to suicide, stories of hope and courage, and ways to help individuals and their families. 

Participants in the MHFA courses have demonstrated improved confidence in providing initial help, increased the help that is given and reduced the stigma regarding mental health disorders. Participants will receive a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) certificate at the conclusion of the training. This program is coordinated by Jewish Federation of St. Louis’ Inclusion Initiative, JProStl and the Millstone Institute. For more information, please contact Rinat Kisin, [email protected] or 314-442-3801.