The stresses and strains of today’s world are having their effects in mental health crises and substance use disorders that seem to occur more and more frequently. What would you do if you encountered someone facing such a crisis? Could you respond in the best way possible by handling the situation calmly and efficiently to help all concerned?

Learn exactly what to do in such emergencies through “Mental Health First Aid,” a two-part program that begins with a two-hour, self-paced online course. This course will be followed by a six-and-a-half hour, in-person, instructor-led class (with breaks) from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.

During training, First Aiders will receive instruction in common signs and symptoms of mental illness and substance use disorders, how to interact with a person in crisis, and how to connect that person with help.

Instructors include Diane McQueen and Tony Lyons, members of the Linden Oaks Hospital Mental Health First Aid Consortium that is sponsoring the course. Linden Oaks Hospital is a partner of Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare.

Registration: The deadline to register for “Mental Health First Aid” is Saturday, Oct. 11, at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mental-health-first-aid-st-thomas-the-apostle-101825-tickets-1363162940049?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Cost of the program:$25.00.

For more information about “Mental Health First Aid,” contact Diane McQueen at [email protected]