Adult mental health first aid training offered in Muscatine
by ISU Extension and Outreach
October 06, 2022

MUSCATINE, Iowa–Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will provide  Mental Health First Aid trainings throughout the fall and beyond.

“Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that nearly 1 in 5 adults lives with a mental illness,” said Danielle Day, human sciences specialist, family wellbeing. Additionally, 123 people die by suicide each day according to recent data from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has responded to these alarming statistics by offering Mental Health First Aid. This program provides adults with tools they can use to identify when a someone in their life might be struggling with a mental health and/or substance use problem.”

Participants also will learn how to connect people to appropriate support and resources when necessary. A five-step action plan will be taught to guide participants through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.

“Everyone can benefit from taking a mental health first aid course, from agribusiness professionals, producers, paramedics, and faith leaders to teachers, mothers, fathers, siblings and friends. Learning more about mental health can help reduce the stigma associated with behavioral health problems. When we can recognize signs of trouble, we can help people get the assistance they need,” said Day.

ISU Extension and Outreach will offer Mental Health First Aid on Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Muscatine county extension office. Private classes for groups of 15-30 participants are also available. Each instructor-led program will last for eight hours.

The cost is $80. However, anyone who works with farmers and ranchers such as, agribusiness professionals, veterinarians, bank lenders, Co-op staff and members, and farmers can register for free using the code “AGPRO.” To register, go to https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/MHFA.

For more information, contact Danielle Day, daday@iastate.edu.

Other resources

Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Or, email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress or crisis and disaster issues.

Finding Answers Now. As Iowans deal with disruptions to their families and communities, this website at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/disaster-recovery provides information to help you cope with concerns about stress and relationships, personal finance, and nutrition and wellness.

COVID Recovery Iowa offers a variety of services to anyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual counselors and consultants provide counseling, family finance consultation, farm financial consultation, referral information and help finding resources for any Iowan seeking personal support. Iowans of all ages may join groups online for activities and learn creative strategies for coping with the effects of the pandemic. COVID Recovery Iowa will announce upcoming programs on the website and via all social media to help Iowans build coping skills, resilience and emotional support. To request support, go to https://www.COVIDrecoveryiowa.org or call the Iowa Warm Line at 1-844-775-9276.

Recent Stories

Recent Shows

Get Discover Muscatine in Your Inbox

Select list(s):
en_USEnglish