FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sept. 28, 2018 Sign up for free mental health first aid classes Daylong classes offered Monday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 18 Bellingham, Wash. – Whatcom Community College’s Area Health Education Center for Western Washington (AHECWW) is offering two free “Mental Health First Aid” classes in October. The Monday, Oct. 15 class takes place at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center (EWRRC) in Maple Falls. The Thursday, Oct. 18 class will be held on WCC’s campus and is tailored for adults interacting with youth. Mental health first aid is part of AHECWW’s efforts to reduce stigma for those who face behavioral health challenges and to strengthen healthcare in rural communities. Similar to traditional first aid, mental health first aid provides help to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis resolves. The classes will cover a five-step action plan to help loved ones, colleagues, neighbors, and others cope with mental health or substance use problems. Those who successfully complete a course are eligible for a mental health first aid certificate issued by the National Council for Behavioral Health. The training is supported by the Opportunity Council. Registration is limited to adults age 18 or older. More information, including the registration form, can be found at AHECWW.org, by emailing info@AHECWW.org or by calling 360.383.3170. About Whatcom: Whatcom Community College in Bellingham, WA is regularly recognized as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute. The College, a destination for cybersecurity, healthcare and business studies, offers a four-year bachelor of applied science degree, transfer degrees, career preparation, online courses and community education classes. WCC’s accomplished faculty and staff serve 11,000 students annually. For more information, visit whatcom.edu. Contact: Marisa Ellis, Whatcom Community College PIO, 360.383.3310, pio@whatcom.edu
