MRC of Dutchess County to Present Two Psychological First Aid Trainings Programs offered in Poughkeepsie on Jan. 31st, in Wassaic on Feb. 9th

Poughkeepsie … The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) of Dutchess County will host two upcoming Psychological First Aid trainings, which residents are encouraged to attend. The first free training will be Thursday, January 31st, at 7 p.m., at the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, 392 Creek Road in Poughkeepsie; the second will be Saturday, February 9th, at 10 a.m. at the Wassaic Firehouse, 27 Firehouse Road in Wassaic.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-based approach that provides users with practical ways to help people with their basic needs and immediate concerns during a disaster or other emergency. The program will be taught by Amy Nitza, Ph.D., LMHC, the Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz. Dr. Nitza is a specialist in mental health training and group counseling.

The Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County is part of a national network of more than 200,000 volunteers dedicated to supporting public health infrastructure as well as disaster preparedness and response in the community. Both medical professionals and non-medical volunteers are needed.

The upcoming trainings are free, and registration prior to the event is required. To register, to learn more about the MRC of Dutchess County or to have this presentation offered for your group or organization, contact MRC Coordinator Joe Ryan at jryan@dutchessny.gov or (845) 486-2493. Information on upcoming trainings is available at DutchessNY.gov/MRC.