The Health District of Northern Larimer County and Connections Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources will offer a free Mental Health First Aid training Wednesday, Jan. 18, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Health District offices, 120 Bristlecone Drive, Fort Collins.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour, evidenced-based course that introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems; builds understanding of their impact and provides an overview of appropriate supports. Participants learn how to offer initial help in a mental health crisis and connect people to the appropriate professional, peer, social and self-help care.

Those who practice mental health first aid do not diagnose or provide any counseling or therapy. Instead, the program offers people concrete tools and answers key questions such as “What do I do?” and “Where can someone find help?”

The program also teaches common risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses such as anxiety, depression, substance use, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

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

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 prescription and health insurance options.