MRC OF Dutchess Presents Psychological First Aid Program October 1st

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) of Dutchess County is offering a FREE “Psychological First Aid” training on Tuesday, October 1, at 6 p.m., at the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response (DER), 392 Creek Road in Poughkeepsie. The training is free, and open to the public, but seating is limited so registration is required.

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. PFA aims to reduce stress symptoms and assist in a healthy recovery following a traumatic event, natural disaster, public health emergency, or even a personal crisis.  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.

For more information about the Medical Reserve Corps, or to register for this free training, please contact MRC Coordinator Joe Ryan at jryan@dutchessny.gov.  For information on upcoming trainings, visit DutchessNY.gov/MRC.