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SUNY Canton to Offer 'Mental Health First Aid' Training

Canton, NY (01/06/2025) — SUNY Canton will host several "Mental Health First Aid" training opportunities this spring that are open to the public.

Certified professional staff members who work in the college's counseling, health and wellness, and student affairs offices will lead the eight-hour courses on campus.

"Our staff members were certified in Mental Health First Aid training earlier this year through financial support from SUNY's Transformation Fund," said SUNY Canton Center for Workforce, Community and Industry Partnerships Executive Director Elizabeth A. Brown. "We're proud to now be able to offer this service to the broader community and be part of a nationwide awareness effort that has educated more than 4 million people in the U.S."

Mental Health First Aid was developed in 2001 and is overseen by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. It teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to the signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders in adults ages 18 and older. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis and addictions.

"The course details how to apply an action plan in a variety of situations, including when someone is experiencing panic attacks, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, nonsuicidal self-injury, acute psychosis, overdose or withdrawal from alcohol or drug use or reaction to a traumatic event," said SUNY Canton Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish. "Anyone who works in the public service sector or those who simply want to support their community are welcome."

Cost is $75 per person for community members. Those interested can register online at https://www.canton.edu/wcip/lifelong/mental-health/.

The Mental Health First Aid trainings will be held:

  • Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (pre-class online work required)
  • Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7, noon - 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21, 8 a.m. - noon
  • Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (pre-class online work required)
  • Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10, 8 a.m. - noon
  • Tuesday, April 15, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information, contact Brown at wcip@canton.edu or (315) 386-7504.

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