Free mental health first aid class offered in New Lenox Sept. 8

A mental health first aid class will take place in New Lenox on Sept. 8 where participants can learn how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders.

The village of New Lenox and its Safe Community Coalition, in partnership with Sertoma Centre, will offer the free class on Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to an announcement.

The class will be held in the Community Room at the New Lenox Village Hall, located at 1 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. All materials and lunch will be provided for those who attend.

This class is ideal for behavioral health professionals, social workers, counselors, first responders and anyone who wants to learn about the warning signs of major depression and suicidal behavior, according to the announcement.

Attendees will also learn about the history of mental health first aid in the U.S., risk factors and warning signs for non-suicidal self-injury, warning signs of substance abuse dependence and the action plan for those addicted to substances. The training will be based on new curricula, developed for more than a year. It will include expanded content on issues like trauma, addiction and self-care.

Those interested in attending the class can register online at eventbrite.com.

For more information, contact Daniel Martin, the village’s safe community coordinator, at 815-462-6493 or dmartin@newlenox.net.