THE FOLLOWING STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED 12-12-2021, UPDATED INFORMATION AT BOTTOM
The Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board has announced that thanks in large part to some COVID funding money received by the Vermilion County Board, Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings will continue. A federal grant that goes back to 2015 was funded by the Vermilion Healthcare Foundation. And the mission will now continue thanks to the County Board and Gibson Area Hospital. As the 708 Board’s Jim Russell explains, this special training gives those who desire a chance to learn how to help an adult or youth with mental health troubles. Russell says this is “first aid for the mind;” and learning the best ways to listen, and help someone.
AUDIO: Just ordinary folks with some information and resources that they can use if somebody in their family is struggling. It’s not intended for service providers, it’s not intended for the professionals; although we’ve had some take it. For the most part it’s to try to help people who have somebody in their circle who are struggling with mental health issues.
Youth ministers, coaches, and teachers are especially encouraged to participate in the Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings. Russell says this is about leading people to where they can go for help.
AUDIO: One of the things that we do with both the youth and the adult training is we talk about the resources that are available in Vermilion County. And we’ve got on our website with the mental health board resources lists that we work on keeping up to date.
Those who want to participate in the training can call Russell at 217-443-3500, or Beth Knecht at 217-516-2298. And for those who feel they need someone to talk to, call Crosspoint Human Services at 217-442-3200.
UPDATED INFORMATION:
The Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board is offering Mental Health First Aid Trainings in both the adult and youth curriculums. These trainings are FREE of charge to anyone who wishes to attend regardless of your residency. Everyone is welcomed!
The Youth Curriculum is for adults that have children/ siblings, work with youth, or just know a young person. YMHFA teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.
The Adult Curriculum is for anyone over the age of 18. MHFA teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.
If you are interested in attending, please call, text, or email 217-516-2298 or bethbrayknecht16@gmail.comYou may also reach out to Jim Russell at 217-443-3500
Here is the list of 2022 trainings! If you have a group of 5 or more, we can schedule your own personal training. Trainings begin at 8:30 A.M. Central Time. They will be located at the Vermilion County Mental Health 708 Board 200 South College Street Danville, IL
YMHFA MHFA
February 4 18
March 4 18
April 1 15
May 6 20
June 3 17
July 1 15
August 5 19
September 2 16
October 7 21
November 4 18
If you are interested in attending a training or if you would like more information, please call or email Beth. This training does make a difference!!
