Aurora tragedy prompts interest in mental health first aid

In the wake of the Aurora, Colorado shooting, many have asked what society might learn from the tragedy. In a whirlwind of discussions on gun laws and theatre security measures, some are curious about the mental health of the accused. Media reports the alleged shooter was a flourishing student turned odd-acting loner. This transition is a telltale sign of declining mental health.

A training is available to help laypeople recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness called Mental Health First Aid. Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking national course that equips participants to provide initial help until appropriate professional, peer, or family support can be engaged. Local nonprofit agency, Horizons, A Family Service Alliance is proud to bring this two-day public education session to Eastern Iowa.

“Mental Health First Aid is gaining national attention as the country reels from the recent Colorado tragedy. People want to know what could've been done differently and what options are out there to help us recognize signs of failing mental health,” states Rosemary Rohde-Ziskovsky, therapist at Horizons and certified Mental Health First Aid instructor. “This course is designed to build community awareness and strengthen abilities to recognize a crisis situation.”

No one knows what, if anything, could have been done to change the course of events in Aurora. But as more than 60,000 people certified in Mental Health First Aid can testify, the training will go a long way to fight the shame, silence, and inaction that frequently surrounds mental illnesses.

Horizons next Mental Health First Aid session is scheduled for October 10 – 11, 2012 in Cedar Rapids. A $75 registration fee includes a three-year certification in Mental Health First Aid, all course materials, and lunch on both days. Take the course and be a positive influence in our community. Register today at www.horizonsfamily.org.