PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Community College, in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and 2nd Street Second Chances, recently conducted mental health first aid training for the Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office.

The course taught participants how to identify risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies for helping someone in both crisis and noncrisis situations, and where to turn for help.

The training is part of an effort to increase support services for Berkshire residents and their loved ones affected by substance use, as well as furthering public safety overdose initiatives. These initiatives, set forth by the National Association of County and City Health Officials, are funded by the Remaining Health and Public Safety Overdose Initiatives Grant. The grant allocated $10,700 for the Berkshires project.

The full article is available on The Berkshire Eagle.