Connections will offer a free Youth Mental Health First Aid training Thursday, Sept. 28, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Health District of Northern Larimer County, 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, as well as 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 disorders (including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder).

The training is free, but space is limited. Snacks will be provided. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Emily Leetham at 970-494-4370 or eleetham@healthdistrict.org. The next Youth Mental Health First Aid training will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Connections is a partnership of the Health District of Northern Larimer County and SummitStone Health Partners.

The Health District is a public agency that provides residents of northern Larimer County with dental, mental health, preventive health and advance-care planning services, in addition to connecting people to more affordable health insurance and prescription options.