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Youth Mental Health First Aid

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Youth Mental Health First Aid
from National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Join the more than 2.6 million first aiders who have chosen to be the difference in their community.

LEARN HOW TO SUPPORT THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs
of mental health and substance use challenges among adolescents ages 12-18. You’ll build
skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to young people who
are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

AFTER THE COURSE, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety,
depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD).
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges.
• Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis.
• Know how to connect a young person with help.
• Better understand trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media
and bullying.

Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First
Aid Action Plan (ALGEE):
A ssess for risk of suicide or harm.
L isten nonjudgmentally.
G ive reassurance and information.
E ncourage appropriate professional help.
E ncourage self-help and other support strategies.

Blended - Learnrs complete a 2 hour, self-paced online course and participate in a 4.5 to 5 hour, instructor-led training

For questions please email Kris H. khoag@belchertownps.org 

FREE - REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

Program Director
Kris Hoag, Program Director
Belchertown Drug-Free Communities/BOAT (Belchertown Overcoming Adversity Together)
Hometown: Belchertown, MA
Current town: Springfield, MA

I have 15 years of experience as a Higher Education Administrator and 6 years as college faculty and taught: Leadership and Management, Social Psychology, NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills, Alcohol/Drug and Violence Prevention, and Introduction to Psychology courses. Additionally, I coached college basketball and soccer for 5 years and acted as the NCAA Faculty Representative at 2 Universities. I am a certified k-12 MA Principal/Vice Principal, certified Middle School Math Teacher and prior to my current position was a Substance Abuse Counselor for 2 years and was employed as a Director of a Young Parents Program.

My passion in teaching YMHFA is intertwined with both my personal and professional experiences. I have always had a passion for helping others and making a difference in the world, even if it is just one person at a time. Teaching YMHFA speaks to my passion. Teaching others to identify signs and symptoms of a youth mental health or substance use crisis or non-crisis situation and getting the help they need extends this dedication and enthusiasm to others in our community and in turn ultimately supports our youth in creating meaningful lives. We are all in this together! Our youth are worth it, we are worth it!

* Adjustments and discounts will be applied during checkout if applicable. *

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