Resident service coordinators Kimy States and Alison Forgeron with Givens Gerber Park have completed training in Mental Health First Aid through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, in partnership with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based, early-intervention course that teaches participants about mental health and substance use challenges. Instruction covers:

• Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges
• Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges
• How to interact with a person in crisis
• How to connect a person with help
• Expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care

National Council for Mental Wellbeing was founded in 1969. A membership organization that drives policy and social change, its Mental Health First Aid program has trained more than 3 million people to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use.

Learn more about Givens Gerber Park, a rental retirement community in south Asheville for adults 55+ who wish to pursue an active and independent lifestyle, here.