Mental Health First Aid Training To Be Held In Loudoun County

LOUDOUN, VA — On Feb. 9 and 10, the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health is hosting a virtual training session on mental health first aid. The training is designed to help adults respond to different mental health crises, according to the county's website.

The deadline to register for the training is Friday, January 29. The course is free of charge for any member of the Loudoun County community.

The county is offering two different versions of the program to meet the different needs of residents. One course is designed for the general public, while the other is tailored to the needs of adults who interact with youth on a regular basis.

Both of the training programs require participants to complete a two-hour, self-guided training prior to the start of the instructor-led program. The general mental health first aid section is scheduled to be completed in a six-hour program held over two days. The youth mental health first aid program is a five-hour program spread across two sessions.

The training covers several topics focused on identifying and assisting those who are undergoing a crisis. The program includes a discussion of the common signs and symptoms of mental illness, and how to interact and connect with a person who is in the midst of a crisis.

To sign up for the training, Loudoun County residents can visit the county's website.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Americans aged 10 to 24, according to the CDC.

Help for Those Considering Suicide

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources available to help.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-SUICIDE (or 1-800-784-2433). Its website offers services including a live chat.

The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia offers local services on their website and trained counselors can be reached over the phone at 703-527-4066, or over text by sending "CONNECT" to 85511.