Beth Bray Knecht from the Vermilion County 708 Mental Health Board recently joined Laura Williams on 1490 WDAN’s Community Connection program. She focused on the importance of Mental Health First Aid Training. Knecht explained that we might step in to help right away when we see someone physically injured; but when it comes to mentally injured, we often simply don’t know what to do. That’s what Mental Health First Aid Training is all about.
AUDIO: If you walk into a public bathroom and somebody’s in there crying, most people turn and walk away. It doesn’t mean they’re a bad person; it just means they don’t know what to do, so it’s easier to avoid. So this training helps people get the confidence they need to make step forward to be brave, and know what to say to somebody.
These free all day special Mental Health First Aid Training sessions happen on scheduled Wednesdays at the Vermilion County Health Department. A session focused on adults is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28th; and then there’s a session focused on children set for Wednesday, March 20th. Knecht says that would be for anyone who has children in their life, in any way.
AUDIO: A lot of times all anyone needs, even children and adults, is that one person they can turn to and talk to. And that can make all the difference in the world. And the youth curriculum is for anyone who works with children, has children in their life, is a grandma, is a grandpa, you know; is a parent, is an aunt or uncle. Anyone who knows a younger person.
If you would like to sign up for an upcoming Mental Health First Aid Training session at the Health Department, you can call 217-516-2298.
To hear all of Laura Williams’ interview with Beth Bray Knecht, please go to https://vermilioncountyfirst.com/the-community-connection/
