A group of 25 pastors from Puerto Rico's Eastern District recently attended a workshop to become certified in "First Aid for Mental Health."

The eight-hour workshop is designed to prepare people who do not have training in psychology or other related studies to detect mental health problems and possible suicides and to provide first aid. The certification is given in all 50 states in the U.S. to teachers, police, and firefighters. The cost of this certification, as well as lunch and snacks, were covered thanks to funds received from Nazarene Compassionate Ministries. The workshop included a book with all the information.

"This program is a great tool for pastoral ministry since they can provide help in a comprehensive way to people with depression, anxiety disorders, drug addiction, alcoholism and will mainly help detect when a person is in danger of suicide, in order to provide the necessary help," said Paquita Bido Balbuena, NCM coordinator.

--Church of the Nazarene Mesoamerica