Libraries serve their communities and many times people come looking for answer to their problems. More than ever, front line library staff of all levels must be well equipped to handle interactions with patrons and families who are experiencing mental illness. This spring MLA will be offering Mental Health First Aid, an interactive workshop that will help library professionals understand and provide more effective services to patrons and community members.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 Americans have experienced mental illness or will experience mental illness each year. Youth ages 13-18 have or will have a serious mental illness where symptoms arise at or before the age of 14.

Join us Friday, April 28, 2017 during this daylong workshop designed to support front line library staff’s understanding of mental illness and to strengthen staff’s interactions with patrons who may be experiencing mental illness. This workshop will be divided into two separate sessions, one for library professionals who work generally with adults and another for those who work specifically with youth. Mental Health First Aid will provide relevant information, resources and referral information for patrons and families experiencing mental illness.

Schedule

8:00 - 8:30 a.m.
Registration and Coffee

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid
During the registration process you will be prompted to select adult or youth training. 

Mental Health First aid is a formal education program which introduces participants to the unique risk factors, warning signs and mental health programs in adults and youth.  This session will build understanding of the importance of early intervention and showcase how to help an individual in crisis or experiencing a mental health challenge.  Mental Health First Aid uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to assess mental health crisis’s and provide initial help to that individual.  Learn more about the program at www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Adult Facilitator:             
Julie Alter-Kay, Ed.S., L.M.S.W., Wayne State University School of Social Work

Youth Facilitator:            
Shantalea Johns, L.M.S.W., Wayne State University School of Social Work

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Lunch - Provided

During this all-inclusive workshop you will be provided with copies of learning manuals specific to your session (adult or youth) and a certificate of completion in Mental Health First Aid.

Registration Rates

Early Bird rates expire Monday, April 17, 2017

*subject to space limitations

Cancellation Policy:  Cancellations must be received in writing by email no later than ten (10) business days prior to the program in order to qualify for a refund. A $25.00 processing fee will be applied to all cancelled registrations. Within ten (10) business days of the event, no refund will be issued. No-shows will be invoiced.