A nationally acclaimed Youth Mental Health First Aid course to educate adults about how to provide help to a young person experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. August 12 and 13 at the Olympic Educational Service District.

Organizers say that one in five families are affected by serious emotional disturbances or mental illnesses, and among youngsters, one in ten youth has serious mental health problems that are severe enough to impair how they function at home, school, or in the community.

The upcoming course is taught by Kitsap Mental Health Services staff certified as instructors through the national MHFA program. A five-step process is used to assess a situation, select and implement appropriate interventions, and to help an individual connect with appropriate care. The cost for the eight-hour training is $45 and registration is required by August 5. Educator Continuing Education hours are available. To register on-line, go to www.oesd.wednet.edu or call Don Jacobs at 360-405-5801.

The  Olympic Educational Service District is located at 105 National Avenue North in Bremerton. For general information about Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, visit www.kitsapmentalhealth.org.