Free Mental Health First Aid trainings for Erie County residents

Two dates offered for day-long training; breakfast and lunch provided

Submitted by the Erie County Health Department

Erie County will host the first of many Mental Health First Aid trainings in Buffalo this spring: on Saturday, April 15, at Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium, and on Saturday, May 6, at the Frank E. Merriweather Library.

“Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized program that aims to make this important training as common as CPR,” Office of Health Equity Director Kelly Wofford said. “2022 was a stressful and traumatic year for our community. Our office decided to offer this valuable, effective training that gives an adult the tools they need to provide immediate and practical support to someone experiencing a mental health challenge.”

She continued, “We are making this happen here in Erie County. Several of our team have been trained to deliver this course as instructors, and we have already begun trainings for Erie County personnel.”

Co-instructors Arica Rouse and Eddie Payne from the office of health equity will teach these two classes. Participants will learn to recognize the signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults, how to offer and provide help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care.

These trainings are open to the public, ages 18 and older. Registration is required. Call 716-858-2385, email [email protected] or visit the OHE website.

The times are Saturday, April 15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Johnnie B. Wiley Stadium, 1100 Jefferson Ave.; and Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Frank E. Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave.

The Office of Health Equity will also offer Mental Health First Aid training to community groups, businesses and industry groups, faith organizations, nonprofit agencies, schools and colleges. Contact Arica Rouse at 716-858-2385 or [email protected] to learn more.