In support of the City of Ames “Mental Health Wellness, Recovery, and Resiliency Initiative,” Mental Health First Aid training sessions are being offered. These sessions are free and open to the public.

“Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders,” said Julie Saxton, Mental Health Advocate with the Ames Police Department. “This training will give participants the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.”

Three training session options are:

• Tuesday, June 29: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (includes one-hour break for participants to get lunch). Jason Haglund, a local mental health counselor and leader in the behavioral healthcare field, will be the presenter;
• Monday and Tuesday, July 26 and 27: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night. Julie Saxton and Iowa State University Police Sgt. Tim Denger will be the presenters; or
• Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 25 and 26: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night. Julie Saxton and Iowa State University Police Sgt. Tim Denger will be the presenters.

All sessions will be held in the auditorium at Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave.

To register for a session, email or call with your name, phone number, email address, and any special accommodations to Carly Watson, carly.watson@cityofames.org or 515.239.5101.

The Mental Health Wellness Recovery, and Resiliency Initiative is a series of mental health speakers, trainings, and educational opportunities planned through September. These events are free and open to the public.