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Compiled by Debra Scherban

Daily Hampshire Gazette - 3/14/2017

Compiled by Debra Scherban. Send items to dscherban@gazettenet.com. Free mental health first aid training offered in Hatfield

Free training, taught by staff from Clinical and Support Options, is being offered March 25 in Hatfield to the layperson seeking to learn how to respond to mental health issues and substance use disorders.

Sponsored by the Hatfield Mental Health Awareness Committee, it will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Smith Academy Library, 34 School St.

Similar to the way CPR trainings prepare non-professionals to assist in a cardiac crisis, mental health first aid prepares non-professionals to help someone experiencing a mental health episode.

The training teaches about the risk factors and warning signs for depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, psychosis and substance use disorders. It instructs on how to assess risk, listen respectfully and identify appropriate professional help and supports.

To register go to https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/cs/take-a-course/what-you-learn/ or call Brenda Kempisty at 247-5641.

The Hatfield Mental Health Awareness Committee was formed last year to address mental health needs, reduce stigma, and increase support for families and youth.

GCC to provide free personal care attendant training

Greenfield Community College has received funding from the University of Massachusetts Medical School to offer a free 25-hour personal care attendant (PCA) training for those wishing to seek jobs in this field.

An information session will be held April 11 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the GCC Downtown Center, 270 Main St., Greenfield.

Those interested should call 775-1672 to reserve a seat.

PCAs work with people of all ages with disabilities to live independently by helping them with everyday tasks such as dressing, grooming, housekeeping, shopping and cooking. Such jobs offer the flexibility of working full or part-time. The pay in Massachusetts for PCAs is $14.12 per hour.

At the information session students will have the opportunity to apply for the training course that will be held on May 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Greenfield Community College.

To apply, an individual must be able to work in the United States and attend all of the training hours. Students completing the course will have career readiness coaching and be certified in CPR with AED and First Aid.