Local facilitator plans mental health de-escalation training for public service workers

Mental health awareness and crisis intervention training took center stage at the Town of New Canaan Health and Human Services Commission meeting on May 1, 2025. A proposal for a new training course aimed at equipping community members with essential skills to recognize and respond to mental health crises was passionately discussed.

The proposed course, which would run for three days from 9 AM to 5 PM, is designed for anyone who interacts with the public, including bank employees and town hall staff. The goal is to help participants identify signs of mental distress and learn effective de-escalation techniques. One advocate emphasized the importance of fostering empathy and awareness in the community, stating, “The more people who are just sort of more empathetic and more aware of what mental health and what crisis looks like is better.”

The training is envisioned to be offered either biannually or annually, with plans to host sessions at the local library to ensure accessibility for the public. This initiative aims to empower residents to handle potentially volatile situations calmly and effectively, reducing the risk of escalation.

The discussion also drew parallels to existing training programs, such as QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), which has proven beneficial in similar contexts. Participants expressed a strong desire for ongoing education in mental health, highlighting its relevance in everyday interactions.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the value of this training, with plans for further updates and potential implementation on the horizon. The initiative reflects a growing commitment within the town to prioritize mental health awareness and support for its residents.