Health care advocate to unveil mental illness education program noon, March 10

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare CEO Linda 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 at a Newsmaker at noon Thursday, March 10.

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 United States 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.

-- Patti Giglio, [email protected]