Dutchess County to Offer Mental Health First Aid Training for Military & Veterans

The Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health's Division of Veterans’ Services and Mental Hygiene along with Vet-2-Vet Peer Services are sponsoring an upcoming two-day seminar series designed to offer "Mental Health First Aid" training for military members, veterans and their families.

The program, according to officials, aims to offer attendees a simple and proven combination of information and techniques that will allow for "effective interventions focusing on the unique experiences and needs of the military, veteran, and family populations." Director of Veteran's services, Nelson Eddy Rivera, says offering these educational services provide important information and offer skills training that could help save someone in times of trouble.

“Our veterans have given their lives to protect our country, and Mental Health First Aid training is one way we can help our veterans,” says Rivera, “Someone very close to you could be struggling with a mental health or substance abuse problem.  This training will provide the necessary skills to help someone during a time of crisis.”

The training looks to equip individuals to provide assistance to those who may suffer from a variety of ailments such as anxiety, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and substance abuse. Training also includes a discussion of military culture, its relevance to mental health, and risk factors faced by service members and their families.

The two-session event will take place on April 22^nd & April 29^th from 10AM to 2PM at the DBCH’s Training Room located at 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie. The training is being offered at no cost to for military, veterans, family members, caregivers, and personnel working with veterans. To register, email wcady@DutchessNY.gov or call (845) 485-9700.