Shelby Co. ISU Extension & Outreach will host Mental Health First Aid training in Harlan

SHELBY COUNTY — In response to the nation’s mental health crisis, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Shelby County will bring Mental Health First Aid training to Harlan Thursday, February 13, 2025. This groundbreaking skills-based course gives people the tools to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge — and connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary.
One in five Americans has a mental illness, and the pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety, 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 problems can be difficult to detect. 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 until it is too late.
Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support. The class qualifies as continuing education credits for many professions, including social workers and nurses.
“This program is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one another. Without mental health, there is no health,” said Danielle Day, Family Wellbeing Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be holding the Mental Health First Aid class at NO COST to the public as part of a disaster response program with the Project Recovery Iowa FEMA grant funding. The class on Thursday, February 13, 2025, will be held at Myrtue Medical Center, 1213 Garfield Ave. (Business Center entrance) Harlan, IA. Lunch and refreshments are provided by Shelby County Extension Council. This class is limited to the first 30 participants.
For more information or to register for the Mental Health First Aid training in Waukon visit www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/MHFA or contact Danielle Day at (319) 377-9839, daday@iastate.edu.