Needham Health Department Looking for People Who Think Icanhelp

If you can spare an hour for Needham's youth, then when they say they need help, you'll be able to say Icanhelp. 

To introduce this program, the Publich Health Department is hosting a one-hour presentation tomorrow afternoon, at 3:45 p.m., at Needham Town Hall. The concept of the program, according to a Health Department press release, is loosely based on CPR. 

The aim of the program is to teach professionals to spot the warning signs that a teen may be in trouble, and how to start talking to them. 

The introductory course will be followed up by a training session on March 20. Those interested should contact NeedhamICH@gmail.com and leave a name and contact information.

The following is a press release from the Needham Health Department:

Learn How You Can Help!

The Needham Public Health Department and the Needham Coalition for Youth Substance Abuse Prevention will present a one-hour introduction to the Icanhelp (sm) program on Tuesday, February 26, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. in the Great Plain Room at Needham Town Hall. Icanhelp (sm) is a community-wide program for early identification and engagement of adolescents who maybe struggling with social, academic, behavioral or mental/emotional health issues.

This free program is based upon the premise of CPR training, that anyone can learn to help. It is open to professionals and community members who through their roles interact with young people in their daily activities – including parents, teachers, nurses, counselors, coaches, clergy. The program teaches how to look and listen for signs an adolescent may be experiencing trouble, to start a dialog and build trust, and then to guide young people to services that can make a positive difference in their lives and turn them away from potentially harmful activities.

Please come on February 26 to find out how you can help! The introductory meeting will also explain the next steps and requirements to participate in the training session on Wednesday, March 20, from 4 to 8 pm, for those who want to become icanhelp (sm) representatives. Please contact NeedhamICH@gmail.com and leave your name and contact information to ask questions or to let us know you’ll attend.