Loudoun County offers ongoing mental health education and substance abuse prevention programs. All programs are free, but registration is required, and seats are limited. The schedule of upcoming classes for November 2021 is as follows:
Adverse Childhood Experiences Training
The Adverse Childhood Experiences training is a one-hour educational program that aims to raise awareness of Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. ACEs are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance use problems in adulthood. The training teaches that ACE prevention is a key to improving a community’s well-being. The virtual training presentation lasts about one hour. Discussion and a question-and- answer session will follow the presentation. The next class will be held:
For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/childhoodadversitytraining.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid offers training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training also teaches the skills that someone needs to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. There are two versions of the program, a general adult program and a program for adults who interact with youth. The virtual trainings are usually held over a two-day period, with the class lasting for about three hours each day. The next trainings are:
- Youth Mental Health First Aid: November 3 & 4, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day.
- Adult Mental Health First Aid: November 17 & 18, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day.
For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/mhfirstaid.
Opioid Overdose Reversal
Loudoun County offers local training sessions of REVIVE!, the opioid overdose and naloxone education program for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Anyone who uses opioids or knows someone who is using opioids is encouraged to attend. The virtual sessions last about one hour. Upcoming classes are:
- November 5, 12:00 p.m.
- November 8, 5:30 p.m.
- November 12, 12:00 p.m.
- November 15, 5:30 p.m.
- November 19, 12:00 p.m.
- November 22, 5:30 p.m.
For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/revive.
Suicide Prevention Training
The Question Persuade and Refer program offers training to help people recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to refer someone for professional help. The suicide prevention training teaches three simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide; question, persuade and refer. The virtual training presentation lasts about one hour. Discussion and practice opportunities will follow the presentation. The next class will be held:
For details about the training and to register, visit loudoun.gov/suicidepreventiontraining.
For more information on the prevention and intervention services offered by the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Prevention Services, visit loudoun.gov/mhsadsprevention or send an email.
# # #