NILES — A local healthcare provider is looking to help adults understand youth with mental illnesses.

Community members are invited to attend a series of free youth mental health first aid training courses on Thursday, Sept. 11 and 13 in the Community Room at Lakeland Medical Suites, Niles, located at 41 North St. Joseph Avenue. Classes will take place from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and both four-hour sessions must be completed for certification.

The course is designed for adults who regularly interact with adolescents and teaches participants how to assist young people experiencing a mental health crisis until appropriate help is received or until the crisis resolves. Training reviews typical adolescent development, teaches a five-step action plan to help young people in crisis, and helps participants understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

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.