South Central Alabama Mental Health Center has scheduled its first mental health first aid course for later this month.

The course is similar to becoming certified for CPR, only it provides the training needed to recognize and respond to a mental health crisis. SCAMH’s Staci Wilson explained that there is a push across the nation to enroll people in training for the relatively new certification.

The class teaches:

• Signs of addictions and mental illnesses;

• Impact of mental and substance use disorders;

• 5-step action plan to assess a situation and help; and

• Local resources and where to turn for help.

“We hope this is the first of many classes,” Wilson said. “We plan to have at least one class in each county each quarter. But as long as the need is there, we will keep scheduling the trainings as needed.”

She said SCAMH will schedule trainings for a business only, or community training, sessions like the first one scheduled.

The first local course is set for 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wed., April 30, at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. The cost is $30 per person.

For more information or to register, contact Wilson at 334-428-5044 or staci.wilson@scamhc.org.