First Aid For Mental Health: Tucson, Sheen and In-between

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Mar 08, 2011, 09:40 ET

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare CEO Linda Rosenberg will speak at a National Press Club Newsmakers press conference at noon Thursday, March 10, in the National Press Building, 529 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. Rosenberg will discuss the emergence of Mental Health First Aid, a new public-education program that teaches people how to help someone in crisis who is developing signs of mental illness or substance abuse.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

Rosenberg will demonstrate how the program uses role playing and simulations to show participants how to assess a mental health crisis, select interventions and provide initial help until professional support is engaged.

Brought to the U.S. from Australia in 2008, the program also teaches about the risk factors and warning signs of specific illnesses like anxiety, depression, psychosis and addiction.

The program has enjoyed newfound interest since the tragedy in Tucson and the recent speculation over the state of actor Charlie Sheen's mental health.

More about Mental Health First Aid: http://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

SOURCE National Press Club