Twenty percent of youth between the ages of 13 and 18 live with a mental health condition and every 12.8 minutes there is a death by suicide. September is Suicide Prevention Month and on September 29th a free youth mental health first aid class is being held in Washington.

Lisa Miller, care coordinator with the Grace C. Mae Advocate Center explains participants will not learn how to diagnose disorders but will learn a five-step action plan. The plan includes assessing the risk of harm, listening non-judgmentally, giving reassurance, encouraging appropriate professional help and encouraging self-help and other support strategies. This training focuses on adolescents, or 10- to 18-year-olds.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24. Miller adds this is an important, local issue and this could save a life.

To register for the event click here or call the Grace C. Mae Advocate Center at 319-653-2930.