PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College, in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and Second 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 non-crisis 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 (NACCHO), are funded by the Remaining Health and Public Safety Overdose Initiatives Grant. The grant allocated $10,700 for the Berkshires project.

“This collaboration with BCC, 2nd Street and the Sheriff’s Office is a critical step in increasing support for families affected by a loved one’s substance use and incarceration. Through this training, we are equipping the staff with stronger tools to help guide family and friends in recognizing the early signs of substance use disorder, setting necessary boundaries, and effectively connecting their loved ones to essential care,” said Andy Ottoson, senior public health planner at BRPC.

To learn more about mental health initiatives at BCC, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/mentalhealth.

This article is available on iBerkshires.