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Community Corner

Astorino to Showcase New Addition to Safe Communities Initiative: "Youth Mental Health First Aid"

County Executive Robert P. Astorino, along with the Department of Community Mental Health and Westchester Jewish Community Services, will showcase "Youth Mental Health First Aid," a new Safer Communities initiative, Thursday, March 13 at 9 a.m. at the Westchester County Center.


Youth Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized program that teaches participants to provide "first aid" to youth, ages 12 to 18, for a range of mental health challenges. The training will be available to adults throughout the county thanks to a partnership between Westchester Jewish Community Services and the Department of Community Mental Health. It is aimed at those who spend time with young people in schools, faith-based organizations, community groups, sports leagues, camps and recreation programs.


Participants will learn a five-step method to respond to young people facing a mental health challenge:

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1. Assess the risks of suicide or self-harm, and take these seriously


2. Listen empathetically and without judgment

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3. Provide reassurance and information about options and resources


4. Enlist professional help


5. Encourage the young person to seek support from family, friends and others

Westchester Jewish Community Services will provide the training free to the first 30 enrollees.

This initiative is the latest in a series of collaborative efforts between community leaders and county officials to offer practical and cost-effective ways to prevent violence. In February 2013, County Executive Astorino launched Safer Communities in response to the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn. last December.

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