Cranford Library trains staff in Mental Health First Aid

On October 12th and 19th the Cranford Public Library closed its doors from 1:00 to 5:00 to train its staff in Mental Health First Aid. The Library partnered with Caring Contact to conduct the training. Public libraries are “open spaces” where all individuals are welcome, including those in distress. Michael Maziekien, the Director of the Cranford Public Library, saw Mental Health First Aid as an opportunity to enrich the skill set of the staff. “Members of the library staff are highly trained, compassionate, caring and respectful individuals. They work with people with widely diverse abilities and backgrounds. This training was an opportunity for all members of the staff to enhance their skills at work and in their daily lives.”

Just as CPR helps you assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid helps you assist someone experiencing a mental health or substance use-related crisis. During the eight-hour course individuals learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for how to help someone in both crisis and non-crisis situations, and where to turn for help. Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. All participants receive a nationally recognized three-year certification in Mental Health First Aid.

Staff members at the library found the training invaluable. “This training has opened my eyes about how lives can actually be saved and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel”, states Charlotte Darynai. Mary Catherine Sudiak felt that the training “provided me with insights into understanding mental health situations that are prevalent in the community”.

Funding for this training was provided by the Cranford Public Library, LibraryLinkNJ and donations from Garretson Financial and the Cranford Rotary Club. Caring Contact is an award-winning, volunteer-staffed caring and crisis hotline providing active listening support and best-in-class education to the Central and Northern New Jersey community. Caring Contact is affiliated with CONTACT USA, a member agency of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the American Association of Suicidology. If you are in crisis and need someone to listen, call 908-232-2880. To learn more about the educational opportunities and volunteer opportunities at Caring Contact, visit www.caringcontact.org.