Chamber, Public Health, McKenzie County Team Up to Bring Mental Health First Aid Course to Williston

Williston, ND (KEYZ) With the rise in mental health-and behavioral health-related issues across the nation, thoughtful minds in our region have come together to help address the problem.

“Mental Health First Aid Training is a partnership between the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce as well as the Upper Missouri District Health Unit and the McKenzie County Community Coalition,” said Williston Area Chamber of Commerce President Anna Nelson.

The first-of-its-kind training for the region is slated for Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at TrainND NW in Williston.

Thanks to generous sponsorship from UMDHU and the McKenzie County Community Coalition, training is free, said Nelson, but space is limited to 30 participants.

While this novel training is beneficial to anyone in the community, Nelson told News Radio there are specific individuals and groups for whom she sees Mental Health First Aid Training being especially impactful.

“This is for employers to look out for their employees. This is for those employees to look out for their co-workers, their clients, their customers – anybody that they’re facing during their workday and beyond. It’s for teachers to spot signs in their students and their fellow teachers [and] for a caring individual who just wants to help others around them.”

As for what, specifically, will be covered in the day-long training, the goal is to help participants learn how to identify the first signs and symptoms of mental health distress in those around them, says Certified Instructor Calli Thorne.

“Some of the things that we cover are common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges (so what does that actually look like), common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, how to interact with people who are maybe in a crisis or how to connect with someone who needs help.”

Mental Health First Aid Training is Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 8:30 to 4:30 at TrainND NW located at 415 22nd Ave NE in Williston.

For more information and to register go online to: https://www.willistonchamber.com/mental-health-first-aid