Free Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings are scheduled for February and March through the Connections program, a partnership of the Health District and SummitStone Health Partners.

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 at home, at school, or in the community.

 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.

Trainings will take place Friday, Feb. 24, and Thursday, March 23. Both trainings are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Health District, 120 Bristlecone Drive, Fort Collins. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting Emily Leetham at 970-494-4370 or eleetham@healthdistrict.org.