Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
City of Alexandria residents and employees have the opportunity to complete Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training online in 2024. The training, which spans two sessions totaling eight hours, will be conducted virtually. Participants can earn an MHFA certification upon completion.
Sessions are scheduled for March 21, April 29 and April 30 (attendance required on both days), May 20, June 19 and June 20 (attendance required on both days), July 29, August 21 and August 22 (attendance required on both days).
The course covers risk factors, warning signs, and symptoms of mental health and substance use disorders. It also includes information about the effects of these conditions and provides an overview of available treatments. A five-step action plan is taught to assist someone exhibiting symptoms.
"This training does not prepare someone to diagnose or provide treatment," a city spokesperson stated. "It is designed to help paraprofessionals and laypersons provide support until an individual is linked to professional resources." MHFA is not recommended for licensed mental health providers.
Registration remains open until all spots are filled. Interested individuals can register at alexandriava.gov/DCHS. Additional information about MHFA can be found at mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
For media inquiries, Debbie Evans can be contacted at debra.evans@alexandriava.gov or by phone at 571-379-2633.
Reasonable disability accommodations are available by contacting maurice.tomdio@alexandriava.gov or calling 571-384-5244, Virginia Relay 711.
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