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

The March 4 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 March 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.