Palo Alto is offering free mental health first aid training for residents.
Mayor Greer Stone, a high school teacher by day, promoted the trainings during his recent State of the City address.
Those who sign up will learn to identify, comprehend and address signs of mental health struggles and substance abuse challenges among adults.
“It’s similar to a CPR training,” Stone said. “You figure out how to do CPR training so you can be able to save a life. After you complete the trainings, you will be able to identify what the red flags of mental health issues are, as well as spotting others with suicidal ideation.”
The first session already took place earlier this month, but the following dates are still open for registration:
Saturday, April 13
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, May 11
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 8
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 13
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, August 10
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mental health once brought national attention to Palo Alto due to its high number of youth suicides. The city has made the issue a priority through the creation of a mental health task force that began meeting earlier this year.
The training program was made possible through a $2 million federal grant and will be conducted by Santa Clara non-profit Momentum for Health.
Check Palo Alto’s official website or email Momentum for Health for more information.
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, round-the-clock support, information and resources for help. Call or text the lifeline at 988, or see the 988lifeline.org website, where chat is available.