TROY — The Tri-County Board of Recovery and Mental Health Services has opened registration for mental health first aid classes to be offered in early February.

The classes will take place at 1100 Wayne St., Troy, Feb. 3 and Feb. 5.

The Feb. 3 class is Youth Mental Health First Aid, which presents an eight-hour curriculum with a special focus on young people 12-18. The course is designed for people who are not mental health professionals but who may work with young people, such as teachers, coaches, pastors and parents.

The Feb. 5 class is the general Mental Health First Aid, which looks at mental health concerns for persons of all ages.

Mental Health First Aid teaches a five-step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in a crisis, and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social or self-help care. Anyone can take the eight-hour Mental Health First Aid course — first responders, students, teachers, leaders of faith communities, human resources professionals and caring citizens.

Advance registration is required. The cost of each class is $25 which includes the required manual. For details and to register online, go to www.tcbmds.org/mhfa, or call 937-335-7727, ext 216. Additional courses are planned to take place in Shelby and Darke counties in the coming months.