Taking in new information and learning different skills keeps people healthy over their lifetime. We continuously identify and offer new programs, trainings, and classes to meet the needs of our community—most at no or low cost to participants. We believe that an informed and empowered community is a healthier community!
Family Programs
Bringing Baby Home
A Parenting and Relationship Program
“Ben and Liz have been married for 23 years and have called the Skagit Valley home for the past 15 years, where they are raising their three daughters. Ben holds a master’s degree in education and has spent much of his career working in wilderness stewardship. Liz is a public health nurse with a focus on maternal-child health and has recently completed advanced training in early relational health. Together, they bring both professional expertise and real-life experience as parents who have navigated the challenges of maintaining a strong relationship amid the demands of raising a family.”
WHEN: Thursdays, Feb 5 – Mar 5 from 5:30 – 8 pm (dinner will be provided)
WHERE: Heartwood House
2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley
AUDIENCE: Expecting and new parents
COST: $50 per couple ($30 for couples with Apple Health or WIC, $15 for couples with TANF).
Note: If this cost presents a financial hardship, please contact us. Scholarships may be available.
One of the best gifts you can give your child is a good relationship with each other as parents!
Designed for both expecting and new parents, the Bringing Baby Home Program will give you skills and information to recognize and cope successfully with the normal stressors of becoming a family.
This program teaches couples how to:
- Increase friendship in their relationship
- Deal effectively with conflict
Involve both partners in infant care and parenting - Improve the quality of parent-child interaction
- Recognize the emotional needs of their child and each other
Learn more about Bringing Baby Home by visiting their website.
“Bringing Baby Home has given us the knowledge and skills to cope constructively with the many changes brought about by the birth of our child. We now have tools and information to help us make this transition easier on everyone (our baby…our relationship… ourselves). Thank you!”
– Former program participant
Questions? Contact Liz at Liz.Cooksey@UnitedGeneral.org
Strengthening Families Program
for parents/caregivers and their 10-14 year old(s)
Dual Language Program English / Spanish
WHEN/CUÁNDO:
Thursdays, February 19 – April 2 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Jueves, 19 Febrero – 2 Abril de 5:30 – 8:00 pm
WHERE/DÓNDE:
Lucille Umbarger Middle School | 820 S Skagit St, Burlington WA 98233
AUDIENCE/AUDIENCIA:
Parents/Caregivers and their 10-14 year old(s). All families in Skagit County are welcome!
Padres/Tutores y sus adolescentes entre 10-14 años de edad. Todas las familias en el condado de Skagit son bienvenidas!
COST/COSTO: Free/Gratis
Includes dinner for the whole family and childcare for siblings ages 1-9!
¡Incluye cena y cuidado de niños para hermanos menores!
All families have strengths! Over seven weeks the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program 10-14 helps bring them out by:
- Improving communication
- Encouraging healthy habits for youth
- Providing tools for parenting teens
- Making memories & having fun together
After a shared meal, parents and youth meet separately for one hour with certified program facilitators about that week’s topic. Then families meet together for an hour to practice what they learned and take part in fun activities!
Click Here for more information!
¡Todas las familias pueden beneficiarse de aprender más maneras de como navegar los primeros años de la adolescencia con éxito! El programa de Fortaleciendo Familias (SFP) ayuda tanto a los padres como a los jóvenes de 10-14 años con habilidades de comunicación, manejo del estrés y encontrar maneras de conectarse.
Después de una comida compartida, padres y jóvenes se reúnen por separado durante una hora con facilitadores certificados del programa para tratar el tema de la semana. Luego, las familias se reúnen durante una hora para practicar lo aprendido y participar en actividades divertidas.
Questions?
Preguntas?
The Incredible Years Parenting Series:
For Parents of Toddlers
The Incredible Years® Programs are designed to enhance parenting skills and confidence while encouraging parental engagement in their children’s school lives. These evidence-based programs aim to improve children’s academic, social, and emotional abilities while decreasing behavioral issues. The programs are categorized based on age and customized to suit the child’s developmental stage.
The Incredible Years Toddler Parenting Program is a 12-week series for parents of children 1-3 years old. In this series, parents learn how to:
- Help their toddlers feel loved and secure
- Encourage their toddler’s language, social, and emotional development.
- Establish clear and predictable routines.
- Handle separations and reunions
- Use positive discipline to manage misbehavior.
For more information on Incredible Years®, visit IncredibleYears.com
Questions?
Play & Grow Drop-In Group
WHEN: Tuesdays
English Group 11:00 am
WHERE: Heartwood House
2136 Highway 20, Sedro-Woolley
AUDIENCE: Parents / Caregivers and their babies
COST: FREE
No registration required
| Play and Grow is designed for parents/caregivers and their babies. This one-hour drop-in group will include songs, playtime with baby and discussions on development, feeding, sleep, and other related topics. Come connect with other parents and share the joys and challenges of parenting. Facilitated by Help Me Grow Nurses and Perinatal Support-WA Resiliency Specialist. |
Jugar y Crecer, Grupo de apoyo para padres
Facilitado en Español
|
Jugar y Crecer está diseñado para padres/cuidadores de bebés y niños pequeños. Este grupo en línea de una hora incluirá conversaciones sobre desarrollo, alimentación, sueño y otros temas relacionados. Ven a conectar con otros padres y comparte las alegrías y los desafíos de criar hijos. Este grupo se reúne por Zoom todos los viernes a las 9:30 a. m. Facilitado por Ayúdame a Crecer Skagit. |
WIC Breastfeeding Class
You don’t have to be a “breastfeeding expert” to become a new parent, so we’ll help offer some information to get feeding off to a good start.
Learn about:
- common concerns in the early days and how to overcome them
- breastfeeding positions and tips for best latch
- colostrum and how we make milk
- hunger signals and other baby behaviors
- how WIC staff can help
Breastfeeding is new to you and your baby and we are here for you to help you meet your breastfeeding goals.
Youth Bereavement Drop-In Sessions
Join us for FREE peer support drop-in sessions. Participants have the option to take part in discussions, play, art, learning, and other age-appropriate activities for expressing grief in a supportive environment with trained staff and volunteers.
WHEN:
- Tuesday, January 27th | 6:00 pm
- Tuesday, February 10th | 6:00 pm
- Tuesday, February 24th | 6:00 pm
- Tuesday, March 10th | 6:00 pm
- Tuesday, March 24th | 6:00 pm
WHERE: Heartwood House | 2136 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley (adjacent to the hospital campus)
WHO: Youth aged 6-18 years old who have had a family member or someone close to them die, and their caregivers/family
After registering, our team will reach out to you to schedule a brief call to learn more about you and your family. This helps ensure we have the information we need to create the most supportive peer environment.
Mental Health Promotion Classes
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention
Three steps anyone can take to save a life from suicide.
In Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR), participants develop the skills to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Similar to CPR, QPR is an evidence-based suicide prevention program that provides lifesaving knowledge and steps to help someone in crisis. In QPR you learn:
- Common myths and facts about suicide
- Warning signs for suicide
- How to ask someone directly if they are thinking about suicide
- What you can do to support someone and get them the help they need
Adult Mental Health First Aid
WHEN & WHERE: Each attendee must complete 2 hours of online independent study prior to the class.
- Wednesday, March 18 from 9am – 4:30pm | Salmonberry Learning Center | 2031 Hospital Dr, Sedro Woolley
AUDIENCE: Community members 18+
COST: $35
*If you would like to attend the course and cost is a barrier, please email me to discuss scholarship opportunities.
Adult Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in community members.
During the course you will learn:
- The mechanics and how to apply the five-step ALGEE action plan for a compassionate response
- Ways to interact with community members in crisis and non-crisis situations
- Resources for emergencies and ongoing mental health support
- Tools and techniques for self-care
As a participant, you will:
- Complete 2 hours of self-study online
- Attend an in-person instructor-led training
- Participate during interactive lessons and practice important skills
- Take a short quiz and earn certification as an Adult Mental Health First Aider
Youth Mental Health First Aid
WHEN: Each attendee must complete 2 hours of online independent study prior to the class.
- Thursday, March 19th from 9 am – 3:30 pm
WHERE: Salmonberry Learning Center | 2031 Hospital Dr, Sedro-Woolley
AUDIENCE: Anyone in Skagit County 18+
COST: $35
Participants who complete the course will receive accreditation as a Youth Mental Health First Aider
Refund Policy:
Payment for Youth Mental Health First Aid classes is non-refundable. If you cannot attend the in-person class on your scheduled date, please contact us as soon as possible. You may be able to reschedule to a future class or transfer your spot to another person.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in young people ages 13-18.
During the course you will learn:
- The mechanics and how to apply the five-step ALGEE action plan for a compassionate response
- Ways to interact with youth in crisis and non-crisis situations
- Resources for emergencies and ongoing mental health support
- Tools and techniques for self-care
As a participant, you will:
- Complete 2 hours of self-study online
- Attend an in-person instructor-led training
- Participate during interactive lessons and practice important skills
- Take a short quiz and earn certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aider
Professional Education Classes & Events
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based trainings designed to teach skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to adults who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and connect them to the appropriate care. These courses are appropriate for anyone over the age of 18.
This training is available in an in-person 8 hour course, or a virtual/blended 4.5-5.5 hour course. Please complete the MHFA interest form and we will contact you to make arrangements and answer any questions you have
Youth Mental Health First Aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an evidence-based course that teaches anyone age 18+ the skills needed to reach out and provide initial support to a youth who may be developing a mental health or substance use challenge and connect them to the appropriate care.
The following training formats are offered:
- Hybrid over Zoom (2 hours self-directed online learning and 6.5 hours instruction over Zoom)
- Hybrid in-person (2 hours self-directed online learning and 6.5 hours instruction in person)
Please provide your information below so United General District 304 staff can contact you and get started planning a training that meets your organization’s needs.
Customized QPR suicide prevention training for your organization
Suicide is everybody’s business. Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) teaches any adult (16+) how to support someone in crisis and get them to the help they need. This free training talks about suicide myths and facts, warning signs for suicide, and how you can apply hope to save a life.
We can provide training virtually or in-person for your organization, with customized scenarios and Q & A sessions. Please complete our QPR Interest form and we will contact you to make arrangements and answer any questions you may have.
Questions? Contact Stephanie at Stephanie.Morgareige@UnitedGeneral.org
CPR, AED & First Aid Training
for your organization
Health & Safety Classes
Overdose Response Class
Anyone who uses opioids, including prescriptions, can be at risk for an overdose. Learn the steps for recognizing and responding to an overdose, including how to deliver Narcan® (aka naloxone) the medication that reverses an opioid overdose. Our online class provides you with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in an overdose crisis and save a life. Information about how to get naloxone at no cost will also be provided. This 45-minute training covers:
- Opioids 101 – including fentanyl
- Risk factors for overdose
- Recognizing an opioid overdose
- Good Samaritan Law
- Steps for responding to an overdose
- How to give Narcan
- Self-care for responders
Although no training is required to carry or give naloxone, our online class provides you with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in an overdose crisis and save a life.
Adult & Infant CPR, AED, and First Aid Classes
WHEN & WHERE:
- Friday, January 16th 9 am – 1:30 pm – Salmonberry Learning Center | 2031 Hospital Dr, Sedro-Woolley
- Friday, February 27th 9 am – 1 pm –Salmonberry Learning Center | 2031 Hospital Dr, Sedro-Woolley
- Monday, March 23rd 9 am – 1:30 pm –Salmonberry Learning Center | 2031 Hospital Dr, Sedro-Woolley
AUDIENCE: Anyone 12 and older interested in learning, or updating their CPR, AED & First Aid training.
COST: $100 (a discounted price of $80 is available for households receiving benefits such as Basic Food, WIC, Apple Health).
Two year certificate upon completion of class
Save Lives with CPR
With a half-million cardiac arrests each year, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help save a life if a person’s breathing or heart stops. It’s not just for healthcare workers and emergency responders. In fact, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action. The American Red Cross helps train you safely, effectively and confidently, so you’re prepared for the minutes that matter the most.
– American Red Cross
United General District 304 offers Adult & Infant CPR, AED, and First Aid classes to individuals, groups, and organizations in our community. Classes are led by our own American Red Cross-certified trainers.
Each class provides participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing, and other first-aid emergencies. After successfully completing a class, a certificate that satisfies most OSHA-mandated job requirements, workplace, and other regulatory requirements will be issued (certification lasts for two years).
Note: class size is limited to 12 people, and a minimum of four participants are required to hold a class.
Questions?
Refund Policy:
Payment for CPR classes is non-refundable. If you cannot attend the in-person class on your scheduled date, please contact Stephanie at Stephanie.Morgareidge@UnitedGeneral.org as soon as possible. You may be able to reschedule to a future class or transfer your spot to another person.