Mental Health First Aid is taught at the Dunn County Jail to encourage participants to help their fellow peers while in the jail setting.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based training program that teaches you how to identify, understand, and response to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Much like traditional CPR, it provides the skills to offer initial support until professional help is received or the crisis resolves.

During the training, participants do not learn how to diagnose or act as therapists. Instead, the course covers: common warning signs of mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and psychosis; how to de-escalate crisis situations (e.g., panic attacks or severe distress); and how to connect individuals to professional, peer, and self-help resources.

For more information, contact Sheli Jo Metzger, Dunn CountyJail substance abuse counselor [email protected] or 715-231-2980.

Source: News release