But organizers hope people who complete the new 12-hour course will be prepared to recognize signs and symptoms of mental illness and provide initial assistance in a mental health crisis.

The concept of mental health first aid originated at Australian National University seven years ago, and Maryland is one of the first states in the U.S. to develop its own course.

State officials began studying the program earlier this year as a way to prevent tragedies such as those at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University, where mentally troubled students shot and killed a combined total of 38 people, said Amy Thompson, who coordinates the mental health first aid program for western Maryland.

Those trained in mental health first aid will have the skills to respond to mental health emergencies, like panic attacks, threats of self-harm, or suicidal feelings, in the same way those trained in first aid and CPR can provide initial intervention during medical emergencies. Skills learned in the course can also help trainees point friends and colleagues with signs of mental illness to appropriate help and resources.

The course will include information on depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as eating disorders, self-injury and substance abuse. The 12-hour course is divided into two six-hour days or four three-hour days, Thompson said.

The association also is working on an electronic version of the course that will require at least one in-person session with an instructor in addition to the computer classes.

The training will be available at no cost to mental health agencies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and the general public until the end of the year, Thompson said. Beginning in 2009, all participants will pay a fee.

About a quarter of the U.S. population has a diagnosable mental illness during their lifetime, according to Pat Hanberry, chief executive officer of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County. Depression is the most common disorder, and is the cause of more lost work days than any other condition, mental or physical, she said.

Hanberry said she hopes the first aid training will help reduce the negative stigma attached to mental illness and encourage more people to talk about it and seek professional treatment.

The association also is looking for those interested in becoming mental health first aid instructors.

A five-day training is scheduled for Nov. 10-14 in Baltimore at no cost.

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.