Most of us know what first aid is for a physical injury or ailment. But what about a mental health condition or crisis?

KidsPeace is offering a special training program for "Youth Mental Health First Aid" next week at its Orchard Hills Campus in Orefield.The Mental Health First Aid program was brought to the United States from Australia in 2008 by the National Council for Behavioral Health. The training teaches participants how to assess a situation with a person who may be experiencing a mental health crisis, determine appropriate interventions for the immediate situation and secure care for the individual going forward.It's also intended to help reduce the stigma often associated with mental health conditions or substance abuse disorders, by providing guidance on risk factors, warning signs and insights into the impact of mental illness on individuals, their families and communities. Rob Harvey, KidsPeace community programs training supervisor, will lead the training."Too often we think that it's an invasion of privacy to ask a person if they are OK and recommend help, but wouldn't we do that if someone was physically sick? We rely on 'professionals' to take care of these things, but the sad reality is that less than 50 percent of people suffering from mental health problems are actually receiving professional help," says Harvey.The training is recommended for those who regularly have contact with young people (ages 12-18), including teachers, coaches, social workers, faith leaders and caring citizens.The training is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. next Monday and Tuesday at the Donley TEC Center on KidsPeace's Orchard Hills Campus in Orefield. The training is free but registration l is required at

pacourseregistration@Kidspeace.org.For more information, visit

www.MentalHealthFirstAid.org.