Mental Health First Aid Canada's Master Facilitator Keith Turton spoke to a group of teachers assembled at the Sturgeon School Division Central office in Morinville on Thursday, Dec. 3rd, 2009.

Sturgeon School Division No. 24 Superintendent Dr. Michele Dick and Thomas Holmes, Vice President of Sturgeon ATA Local No. 27 jointly sponsored and organized training for teachers to help schools recognize and provide early response to mental health concerns in youth. Mental Health First Aid is a two day training course for educators that focuses on providing the skills needed to provide the early help that is so important for appropriate recovery and support.The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Canada for Adults who Interact with Youth program is directed at identifying and applying mental health first aid to young people between the ages of 12-24. Over two days the topics covered include Mental Health and Mental Illness, Substance Related Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Eating Disorders and Deliberate Self-Injury. This training will be invaluable in helping teachers recognize early indicators to mental health challenges in youth and engage the appropriate assistance.