In rural communities, there are significant challenges in accessing mental health care. Mental Health First Aid for Rural Communities is a skills-based training that teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to someone experiencing a mental health and substance use challenge. The program has a specific focus on cultural and environmental factors related to life in rural areas

Participants who take the 8-hour course are certified as Mental Health First Aiders.  The course will teach you how to apply the ALGEE action plan:

• Assess for risk of suicide or harm

• Listen non-judgmentally

• Give reassurance and information

• Encourage appropriate professional help

• Encourage self-help and other support strategies

This course is open to participants who live or work in Missouri. The course is valued at $170 per person but is being offered to you at no cost through a grant. Participants for this course must register two weeks in advance. http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/program_overview/

This course will be held at the State Fair Community College, located at 701 3rd Street, Boonville, MO, from 8 am to 5 pm.

Please contact Tina Edholm in MU Cooper County Extension at (660) 882-5661 or Edholmc@missouri.edu for any questions or ADA accommodations.

Cost: Free

Partners:

• 2020 North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center: Engaging Programs to Support Producer Wellbeing (MU Project #00071295, 00071617) 
• State Fair Community College
• Cooper County Health Department