This fall, parents can sign up for two mini-med school programs, one focusing on children’s health and the other on mental illness.

The Montreal Children’s Hospital offers its five-week program in English on Tuesday evenings (Wednesday evenings in French), starting Oct. 4. Topics include the importance of organ donation, new research into diabetes and the role of hormones on development. Each class includes a one-hour lecture followed by a half-hour question period, plus time for refreshments. Participants must register for all five sessions. The classes will take place at the amphitheatre of the Montreal Children’s Hospital, 2300 Tupper St. (corner of Atwater Ave.) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost is $65 for adults, $45 for seniors and full-time students.

For more information call (514) 412-4400 ext 23996 visit www.mchminimed.com.

The Douglas Institute is holding a similar seven-week program on Tuesday evenings but with a focus on mental illness. This year, the Mini-Psych school will have a person either living with a mental illness or someone who is helping a friend cope with the illness join the lecturer at each class. All classes will be held in French. Topics will include bipolar and other mood disorders, differentiating between depression and burnout and identifying the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The program runs from October 11 through November 22 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants have the option of attending classes at the Douglas Institute (Douglas Hall), 6875 LaSalle Blvd., or watching a real-time web cast via a home computer. Cost is $90 for adults and $80 for seniors, students (with ID card) or employees of a non-profit organization.

For more information, call (514) 761-6131 ext. 2788 or visit www.douglas.qc.ca.