You’re in downtown Lawrence and you see someone who’s exhibiting signs of mental illness. A friend of yours appears depressed and you’re worried they might be suicidal. Or you may be experiencing symptoms of a mental illness.

Bert Nash is offering a 12-hour mental health first-aid training that will teach area residents what to do in those difficult situations.

David Johnson, CEO at Bert Nash, said the training is beneficial for social service and emergency workers, but it can also be helpful for people with little experience with mental illness.

“It really works for such a broad range,” Johnson said of the program that has trained more than 150 people since 2008. “(The program has) as much applicability as first aid.”

The program, said Johnson, is also aimed at reducing the stigma of mental illness and creating a positive community environment for the mentally ill.

“Mental illness is prevalent. Mental illness is treatable. (But) it often goes unrecognized and untreated,” Johnson said.

The training sessions, which begin Nov. 2, cost $25. For more information, contact Lauren Grieb at lgrieb@bertnash.org, or call 843-9192.