Youth Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program designed to equip adults with practical tools to support youth. Participants learn how to recognize warning signs of mental health challenges, listen with empathy and without judgment, provide reassurance, and connect young people to appropriate professional care and services.

This training will be delivered online by Riverbend clinicians. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification—a globally recognized credential valid for three years. This fee-based course is open to the public.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an early intervention public education program designed to equip adults with practical tools to support youth. Participants learn how to recognize warning signs of mental health challenges, listen with empathy and without judgment, provide reassurance, and connect young people to appropriate professional care and services.

This training will be delivered online by Riverbend clinicians. Upon successful completion, participants will earn a Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification—a globally recognized credential valid for three years. This fee-based course is open to the public.

Curated events, community engagement projects, and educative conversations and trainings took place throughout the month of May as staff and clinicians at Riverbend marked Mental Health Awareness Month. Generous support from local businesses and organizations in our community helped Riverbend’s efforts and reinforced the importance of our mission.

Riverbend is thankful for the generosity demonstrated by: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, CGI Business Solutions, Merrimack County Savings Bank, NAMI New Hampshire, Bailey’s Custom Carpets, Inc., Borislow Insurance, JH Spain, St. Mary’s Bank and Mason + Rich.

First established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is a national commemoration that recognizes the importance of mental health, raises awareness of wellness in the lives of Americans, and celebrates those who have recovered from mental illness.

May is a time for outreach and support for those living with mental health conditions and the families, friends and colleagues who are there to help. Educational programming efforts during the month included:

• An expert addiction training with Dr. Cali Estes of , covering methamphetamines and opioids
• A book reading and panel presentation featuring Riverbend authors discussing the  they wrote together on children and grief
• Sponsorships, information handouts and attendance at partner events and at community conversations, including events with NAMI (),Ěý, The , and at the Ěý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚý.

“Whether at our own events or out in the community this month, we loved hearing stories from clients, supporters and members of the public and seeing just how far we have progressed as a society in growing awareness and reducing stigma around mental health,” said Lisa K. Madden, president & CEO of Riverbend. “While the month of May is an important commemoration, maintaining your own positive mental health or supporting others should be a daily ritual. Seek care, practice self-care and remember that everyone has mental health.”

• Psychiatric Emergency Services – telehealth for deployments.
• Substance Use Disorders/Choices – Building closed to the public; all services converted to telehealth.
• Children’s Intervention Program – Building closed; all services converted to telehealth. No community-based services.
• Community Support Program – Building closed; all services converted to telehealth. No community-based services.
• Franklin Office – Building closed; all services converted to telehealth. No community-based services.
• Residential Services – standard operating procedures.
• 29 School Street (Riverbend Administration building) – closed to the public. Staff will be available but working remotely.

For further client service, please contact the applicable Riverbend program if needed.

Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. Among other skills, trainees will learn:

common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance abuse challenges.

how to interact with a person in crisis.

how to connect a person with help.

principles of an action plan to best help someone in a crisis situation.

The course will be taught by the following Riverbend staff:

Aurelia Hutchison, a member of Riverbend’s mobile crisis response team, with experience in community crisis response in both mental health and substance use disorder situations.

Danielle Schofield, the office manager for the adult and children’s program at our Franklin office. Danielle has worked with clients from a variety of backgrounds.

Participants who successfully complete the course receive a globally recognized certification, good for three years.

• Psychiatric Emergency Services – telehealth for deployments.
• Substance Use Disorders/Choices – Building closed; all services converted to telehealth.
• Children’s Program – Building closing at 3:30; all services converted to telehealth.
• Community Support Program – Building closing at 3:30; all services converted to telehealth.
• Franklin Office – Building closing at 3:30; all services converted to telehealth.
• Residential Services (Mill House, Twitchell House) – standard operating procedures.
• 29 School Street (Riverbend Administration building) – closed to the public. Staff will be available but working remotely.