Youth Brain Health First Aid (YBHFA) and Adult Brain Health First Aid are courses that certify those who take to recognize potential signs and symptoms of individuals in a brain health crisis and ways to appropriately respond.jsokira@resiliencycenterofnewtown.org.

These courses include eight hours of instruction, a course manual, snacks, a completion certificate, and a fun environment. Both feature hands-on activities and practice, a five-step action plan; an overview of local mental health resources, support groups and other help; and a resource manual packed with information covered in each course.

While these courses typically cost around $250, The Avielle Foundation and the Resiliency Center of Newtown are offering each version, free of charge, within the next month.

Youth Brain Health First Aid will be offered on Saturday, April 23, from 9 am to 5 pm, at The Resiliency Center, 153 South Main Street. An hour-long lunch break will be taken.

Adult Brain Health First Aid will be offered on Thursdays, May 5 and 12, from 9 am to 1 pm both days, also at The Resiliency Center.

A minimum of ten participants is required for a course to be offered, and participants must attend the full eight hours of class time to receive each certification.

There will be plenty of breaks with snacks and drinks, however lunch will not be provided for the youth program.

The courses are intended to support the brain health of the Newtown community and those who live and work here. The sessions are open to Newtown residents as well as all others who are interested from neighboring communities: students (15 years and up), parents, teachers, school staff, family, friends, health care providers, law enforcement, and anyone else interested in the subject. A $50 donation from non-Newtown residents is suggested.

For additional information or to register contact Jennifer Sokira at 203-364-9750 or

The Avielle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to prevent violence and build compassion through brain health research, community engagement, and education.

The Resiliency Center of Newtown is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers long-term healing to those impacted by 12/14 and was created to help these individuals reach their full potential.

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