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Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training, led by Catholic Social Services of Rapid City, gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

The Impact of Mental Health in America

  • 1 in 5 U.S. Adults Experience Mental Illness
  • 17% Of Youth (6-17 years) Experience a Mental Health Disorder
  • 90% Of People Who Die By Suicide Have Experienced Symptoms of a Mental Health Condition
  • 2nd Leading Cause of Death for People Ages 10-34: Suicide

Most of us would know how to help if we saw someone having a heart attack—we’d start CPR, or at the very least, call 9-1-1. But too few of us would know how to respond if we saw someone having a panic attack or if we were concerned that a friend or co-worker might be showing signs of alcoholism.

Mental Health First Aid takes the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems by improving understanding and providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder.

When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they need. Mental Health First Aiders can even save lives.

Support our mission and make a difference!

For over 50 years, Catholic Social Services has strengthened families and communities in western South Dakota by offering professional social services. We work with people struggling with life's varied circumstances. Whether problems are large or small, our professional counselors are here to help.

We offer individual, family, marriage and group counseling in Rapid City and our outreach offices. Support Catholic Social Services with your donation today and help us help others!

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