Prevention Works, formerly known as CASAC, is offering a workshop for community members and professionals, entitled “Youth Mental Health First Aid.”

Jose Quinones-Visot and Eric Williams will be presenting on Aug. 15 and 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prevention Works, 51 East Third Street, Suite 2, Dunkirk. It is required that you attend both days.

Sometimes first aid isn’t a bandage or CPR. Sometimes, first aid is you. A young person you know could be experiencing a mental health or substance use problem, Learn an action plan to help.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is adults who regularity interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics Covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

This course is also suitable for those seeking professional credentialing as a Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Credentialed Prevention Professional (CPP) or Credentialed Prevention Specialist (CPS). The 8 CPP (Section 4) hours are approved for initial credit hours and for CPP/CPS/CASAC renewal by the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. Prevention Works training offerings are suitable for community members that are aspiring to learn more about addictions and other related topics to improve their lives and the lives of others. This course work is also recognized and approved by the Pennsylvania Certification Board through reciprocity.

This workshop is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required. To register for the course contact Prevention Works or Kathleen Colby, Director of Training Services, 664-3608, kjcolby@casacweb.org visit, website: www.casacweb.org or on-line

Prevention Works offers a number of community and professional educational opportunities throughout the year. Individualized on-site training, depending upon staff needs, is available. All trainings can be designed as an in-service training, conference or workshop.

Since 1974, Prevention Works, a United Way partner agency, has been providing prevention education and community awareness on alcohol, other drugs and compulsive gambling. Prevention Works is the only New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) approved and supported alcohol and other drug prevention agency in Chautauqua County. For further information about Prevention Works services, call the Jamestown office at 664-3608, or the Dunkirk office at 366-4623 or visit our website: www.casacweb.org.