Image: MHFA

From Cook County Public Health and Human Services & Cook County Higher Education - February 28, 2023

Cook County Public Health and Human Services is partnering with Cook County Higher Education to host a Youth Mental Health First Aid class on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The course is supported through a generous grant from the North Shore Healthcare Foundation.

The free class will be held at Cook County Higher Education from 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Prior to the in-person portion of the class, participants must complete 2 hours of pre-work online. The course includes a workbook, access to the Mental Health First Aid course's online portal, (Mental Health First Aid) MHFA certificate, and lunch. The class will be led by instructors Carrie Anderson and Tracy Henegar. Class size will be limited to 24 participants.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens (18+) how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid for Youth is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges experienced by youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including ADHD), and eating disorders.

Those who successfully complete the class will earn a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certificate, which is valid for 3 years.

Participants must register in advance: bit.ly/MHFAsignup or at the Cook County Higher Education website: https://mycche.org.

About Cook County, MN 

Cook County encompasses the sovereign nation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; the City of Grand Marais; the Townships of Lutsen, Tofte and Schroeder; and unincorporated areas in the easternmost part of Minnesota’s North Shore. Cook County Government values transparency and strives to deliver superior services and programs in a fiscally responsible way. We value the dignity of all County residents and seek to create a community that provides opportunity for all. Many of our offices are in the Cook County Courthouse at 411 W 2nd St, Grand Marais 55604. Other departments and facilities, such as the Airport, Community Center, Highway and Sheriff are located nearby. Call 218-387-3000 or visit: https://co.cook.mn.us