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Mental Health First Aid Training for Military & Veterans Available in Poughkeepsie


Published: 4/13/2017

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH)’s Divisions of Veterans’ Services and Mental Hygiene, together with Vet-2-Vet Peer Services, will sponsor a free “Mental Health First Aid:  Military Members, Veterans and their Families” two-session training on April 22nd & April 29th from 10AM to 2PM.  The training will take place at the DBCH’s Training Room located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie. 

 

“Our veterans have given their lives to protect our country, and Mental Health First Aid training is one way we can help our veterans,” said Nelson Eddy Rivera, USN (Ret), Director of Veterans’ Services. “Someone very close to you could be struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem.  This training will provide the necessary skills to help someone during a time of crisis.”

 

Rivera said family members and personnel working with military and families are often not aware of how to engage veterans with mental illnesses and addictions.  In addition to the impact of military service on the veteran, each has family and friends who are also impacted by their military service.  Mental Health First Aid is a way to increase their knowledge about mental health and substance abuse and how to connect individuals to help.

 

“Mental Health First Aid: Military Members, Veterans, and their Families” training offers a simple, proven combination of information and techniques for effective interventions focusing on the unique experiences and needs of the military, veteran, and family populations.  The training equips individuals to provide assistance to those who suffer from mental illness including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse.  Training includes a discussion of military culture, its relevance to mental health, and risk factors faced by service members and their families.   

 

The training is open at no cost to for military, veterans, family members, caregivers, and personnel working with veterans.  Attendance is required for the two four-hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays, April 22nd & April 29th for course completion.  Refreshments will be served.

 

To register, email wcady@DutchessNY.gov or call (845) 485-9700.

 

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