May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I thank God for the Mental Health Association of the Southern Tier (MHAST) and the great things that they do in our area. It isn't always easy because their budget keeps getting cut and it makes it tougher to help those in real need.

In spite of that, here is another way they are helping us out. MHAST is offering Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid Training at a reduced price this month.

They will offer these training courses at their office at 47 Broad Avenue, Binghamton, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. The cost is being subsidized by funds raised through the Binghamton Pond Festival, DIFD, Rock Against Suicide, Timm's Memorial Golf Tournament and Wings of Hope.

The regular cost of training is $90 but this month, the cost of the training courses will be reduced to $25 per person. The 8 hour courses are open to the public and you must attend the entire class to receive certification that is valid for 3 years.

You can see a physical problem but what's on the inside is tougher. These courses teach how to assist someone who is having a mental health crisis or a mental health problem. This can help save lives in ways that you May not have thought possible.

Mental Health First Aid Training: Wednesday, May 15th, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training: Wednesday, May 22nd, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Class size is limited and registration is required, so go here to register and get more info or call Joanne Weir at (607) 771-8888 ext. 336.

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