An upcoming training aims to prepare community members to respond when someone may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

Beacon Mental Health will offer Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 10 through Microsoft Teams. The virtual training is open to the community and includes two hours of online pre-work that must be completed before the instructor-led session. Those interested in participating can register online at eventbrite. com/e/virtual-adultmental- health-first-aidtickets- 1997052951136.

Beacon Mental Health Crisis Manager Charna Lockard compared MHFA to training commonly used for physical emergencies.

“I describe MHFA as CPR and first aid for your mind,” explained Lockard. “It gives people a frame of reference for recognizing when someone may be struggling and knowing how to respond and connect them with appropriate support. Participants can expect to leave the training feeling more confident supporting someone during a…