RiverValley Behavioral Health will host an informational breakfast for faith-based leaders in the area regarding Mental Health First Aid training and other mental health resources offered by RiverValley on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 8 a.m. The breakfast will take place at Moonlite – 2840 West Parrish Avenue – and is free of charge.
Over the last year and a half, RiverValley has trained over 1,000 adults in Mental Health First Aid. These trainings include entire school systems, non-profit organizations, and law enforcement.
Mental Health First Aid teaches the public how to recognize symptoms of mental health problems, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate treatments and other supportive help.
President and CEO Wanda Figueroa realized there was a gap in the training and felt the need to provide Mental Health First Aid free of charge to key community organizations, such as faith-based communities. Many times, when a person is feeling depressed, anxious or suicidal, they turn to their religious leader or other members for help. Figueroa wants to make sure these leaders have the tools they need to handle these situations.
“Faith-based organizations are an important part of the community,” Figueroa said. “They focus on helping others and alleviating suffering. We share these goals and a mission to save lives and improve health. We also share core values that emphasize love and care for our fellow brothers and sisters. The Mental Health First Aid Training is an evidence-based training that will be open to all congregation members who want to learn about how to assess signs and symptoms of mental health concerns and how to help someone in crisis. RiverValley wants to partner with faith-based communities to expand a circle of care and support for all members of our community.”
Mental health problems are very common, and almost half of the adults in the United States will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. RiverValley is hoping that providing Mental Health First Aid free of charge will teach the public how to respond if a loved one, co-worker, student or parishioner comes to you looking for help. This training could and has helped save lives.
For those that would like to attend the breakfast, please RSVP to Jamie Johnson at [email protected] or call at 270-689-6703.
RiverValley Behavioral Health has been a regional healthcare provider in seven counties in Western Kentucky, covering Daviess, Ohio, McLean, Hancock, Webster, Union and Henderson counties, for over 50 years. They currently host over 21 programs that include in-patient and out-patient services for families dealing with alcohol and drug addictions and in need of Crisis Stabilization Services. For more information about these programs, please contact (270) 689-6879 or TDD- Hearing Impaired at 1-800-769-4920.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Wanda Figueroa, President & CEO, at 270.689.6700 or [email protected].
