Youth Mental Health First Aid

January 27, 2024 9am-5pm

Grace United Methodist Church

9750 Wellington Road, Manassas, VA 20110

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the leading cause of disability and bad life outcomes in young people is poor mental health. We have seen a significant increase in mental disorders in youth including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.  It is important for us as Scout leaders to be equipped to recognize youth that are struggling with mental health challenges.   

First Aid is the process of identifying the symptoms and being able to provide corrective action so that the person is stabilized and can be assist. Mental Health First Aid is knowing the signs for mental issues for another person and knowing how to stabilize and assist that person with finding the appropriate professional help.

As adult volunteers working with youth, we come across multiple situations requiring our first aid skills from a simple scrape to more serious injuries. This also applies to the mental health of our youth from simple cases of depression to the more serious mental disorder that can lead to youth suicide. In this course you will learn to:

• Know how to identify the symptoms of mental health
• Preserve life when a person may be a danger to self or others
• Prevent the problem from becoming more serious
• Provide comfort and support as well as promote recovery
• Help to identify or guide a person to appropriate resources and support

The cost of this course is only $12 and includes class material and lunch.  The course instruction is provided by certified mental health professional from Prince William County Community Services office.