ST. JOSEPH — A local health provider is focusing on mental health.

Community members are invited to attend a series of mental health first aid training courses sponsored by Lakeland Health. The first class will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 12 at the Consortium for Community Development, located at 175 West Main St. in Benton Harbor. A second class will be hosted on Thursday, July 26 in the meeting room at Lakeland Hospital Niles, located at 31 North St. Joseph Ave.

Adult Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool which works to improve the public’s knowledge of mental health and substance use problems, help adults take the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations, and connects people with care, according to event organizers.

Studies show one in five Americans has a mental illness, but many are reluctant to seek help or might not know where to turn for care. When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they may need, said organizers.

A training manual and certification is provided upon completion. Preregistration is required; call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Lakeland Health is a non-profit, community-owned health system, which includes three hospitals, an outpatient surgery center, a cancer center, rehabilitation centers, long-term care, hospice, home care services and physician practices. Lakeland was ranked as a 15 Top U.S. Health System by Truven Health Analytics in 2017. The health system has over 4,000 employees who provide clinical and support services at locations throughout southwest Michigan, and partners with more than 450 affiliated physicians and other providers.

For more information, visit lakelandhealth.org.