The Raleigh Police Department is partnering with Alliance Behavioral Healthcare to offer Mental Health First Aid Classes this spring, and is accepting applications now.
The class being offered to the community is the same one all of Raleigh's law enforcement personnel, sworn officers and civilians attend, which helps them understand how best to help people with development issues or mental illness. The class gives ordinary citizens a chance to have a clearer understanding of the principles and policies police follow when they respond to situations involving those with mental issues.
Chief Cassandra Deck-Brown said the class aligns with the department's Firearms Violence Reduction Strategy, and is a way to create a safer, healthier city. The chief added the overall goal of the course is to give citizens a chance to learn how to deal effectively, but with compassion, with those who have mental or addiction issues. Organizers of courses like this might consider using poster printing to create visual aids or advertize the places.
The classes are March 13, from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm; April 9 and April 10, from 4.00 pm until 8.00 pm on both days; and May 7, from 8.00 am until 5.00 pm. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and either work or live in Raleigh. The program is free, but the police ask that applicants commit to attending all the classes and finishing the course.