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By Liam Verster

Mental Health First Aid

Mental health training for veteran aid providers to run in Vernon for first time

May 14, 2024 | 2:30 PM

Groups and individuals that serve veterans in Vernon will get to access a specific training opportunity for the first time later this month.

The Mainland B.C. Military Family Resource Centre (BCMFRC) will run its Mental Health First Aid – Veteran Community training in Vernon.

The program is a free, two-day workshop for families or service providers who support medically released Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP that are dealing with mental health issues.

The course will cover a range of mental health issues and teach the skills for dealing with suicidal behaviour, drug overdoses, panic attacks, psychosis, and acute stress reaction.

“It’s not uncommon for people to learn regular first aid to prepare them for medical emergencies such as burns and sprains,” Tracy Cromwell, BCMFRC executive director, stated.

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“The mental health first aid course takes that preparedness to the next level, providing valuable, potentially life-saving information and crisis intervention skills to manage mental health challenges.”

The initiative is one component of the Veteran Family Program, which BCMFRD delivers on behalf of Veteran Affairs Canada to support the health and well-being of families as they transition from military to civilian life.

The course will see participants build the skills and confidence needed to engage in effective conversations about mental health, help them recognize the most common mental health problems and illnesses, and decrease the stigma and discrimination around mental health.

“Mental health issues are often met with significant stigma,” Cromwell said.

“That’s what’s so great about Mental Health First Aid – Veteran Community. Because the course is about helping others, participants don’t worry about standing out as having a problem if they attend. In this way, the course is truly non-threatening for those who’d like to learn more about dealing with these issues.”

The course is intended to support groups and individuals who specifically support medically released veterans and RCMP members, though the BCMFRC stated the two-day workshop in Vernon will be open to anyone.

The course will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 27 and 28 at th Best Western Premier Route 97 at 5350 Anderson Way.

Space is limited, so people and groups wishing to participate must register by emailing veterans@bcmfrc.com by May 23.