The Health District of Northern Larimer County and Connections Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources will offer a free Youth Mental Health First Aid training Monday, June 13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Health District, 120 Bristlecone Drive, Fort Collins.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that gives people the skills to recognize warning signs for mental health or substance use problems, and the tools to help someone who may be developing a mental health related problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, such as parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other community providers.

The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, and disruptive behavior disorders (including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder).

The training is free, but space is limited. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Emily Leetham at 970-494-4370 or eleetham@healthdistrict.org.

The Youth Mental Health First Aid Training will be offered again July 19 and Aug. 24.

The Health District provides residents of northern Larimer County with dental, mental health and preventive health services, in addition to connecting people to more affordable prescription and health insurance options.