City of Melrose Invites Community to Take Free Mental Health First Aid Courses  

The City of Melrose will offer the community free Mental Health First Aid Training Courses this winter as part of Mayor Brodeur’s mission to equitably provide residents with the opportunity to develop skills to better support neighbors, friends, and loved ones experiencing emotional distress. The courses are open to anyone who lives or works in Melrose aged 18 and older.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally recognized program that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.  Participants will build the skills and confidence they need to provide initial support to those who are struggling and will learn how to help connect those in need to the appropriate support while learning self-care strategies.

“I’m proud to bring awareness to the increased need for social and mental health support for our residents and create programming like these courses for our community members,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “I am hopeful these courses will help our community learn how to better support the different people in our lives—from our loved ones to those we pass on the street—during times of emotional or psychological distress.”

Melrose community members can sign up for any of the four courses taking place within the months of February and March and become certified in either Youth Mental Health First Aid (Youth MHFA) or Adult Mental Health First Aid (Adult MHFA).  This free course is valued at $120.

To register for any of the below courses, visit http://www.cityofmelrose.org/recreation and click on “Register Here.”

Program Notes:

• Light refreshments will be served
• Must be 18+ years old to attend
• Must be a Melrose resident or work in Melrose
• Certificate upon completion
• Only register for 1 training per person

After the course, participants will be able to more easily: 

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); and
• Recognize common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges; and
• Understand how to interact with a young person in crisis; and
• Know how to connect a young person with help; and 
• Better understand trauma, substance use, self-care, and the impact of social media and bullying. 

This course is offered in partnership with Mayor Paul Brodeur; Melrose Recreation Department; Melrose Health & Human Services Department; Melrose Health & Wellness Coalition; National Council of Mental Wellbeing; Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield; Healthy Aging Physical Therapy; and Tufts Medicine – Melrose Wakefield Healthcare.

For questions, please contact the Melrose Recreation Department at 781-979-4179 or recreation@cityofmelrose.org.