Lodi Library to host mental health training

Mar. 14—In response to the nation's mental health crisis, Lodi Public Library will bring Mental Health First

Aid training to the community on Thursday, March 29.

The skills-based course will give Lodi residents the tools to identify, understand and respond to someone who might be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge, and then connect them to the appropriate support and resources when necessary.

According to MHFA, one in five Americans has a mental illness, and the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased depression and anxiety symptoms in people who are reluctant to seek help or do not know where to turn for care.

Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect.

Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in, and those in need of mental health services often do not receive care until it is too late, MHFA said.

Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack,

MHFA prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis.

Those who attend the course will learn a five-step action plan that guides them through the

process of reaching out and offering appropriate support.

"Never has it been more important for our communities to talk about mental health and

substance use," National Council for Mental Wellbeing president and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said. "This program is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one

another. Without mental health, there is no health."

The council helped bring MHFA to the U.S. in 2008, and in just 12 years, it has become a full-blown movement in throughout the country.

More than 2.5 million people are certified through MHFA, the agency said.

Interim City Manager Andrew Keys applauded Library Director Akiliah Manuel for her efforts to bring MHFA to Lodi.

"Our society struggles to address mental illness, talk openly about mental health challenges and compassionately care for those in need," he said. "Programs like this will be effective at the ground level in changing for the better and even saving the lives of Lodians."

For more information, or to participate in a Mental Health First Aid training at the library, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org or contact Jazmin Duffy at 209-269-4681 or jduffy@lodi.org.

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