Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid helps participants understand that mental illnesses and substance use disorder are real, common, treatable, and that it is okay to seek help. Research indicates this program's effectiveness in improving knowledge of mental illness and substance use, removing fear and misunderstanding, and enabling those trained to offer concrete assistance. Mental Health First Aid is proven to be effective and is listed in SAMHSA's registry of evidence-based programs and practices.
Tailored specifically for college cultures to include:
- Campus culture and its relevance to the topic of mental health
- Specific stress and risk factors faced by the higher education population
- Application of the action plan in scenarios designed specifically for campus community members
- A review of the mental health resources on campus and through community partners
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a six-hour hybrid training designed to give participants the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The course uses role-playing and simulations to demonstrate how to recognize and respond to the warning signs and symptoms of a mental illness or emotional crisis.
This blended learning course allows participants to take a 2-hour online course prior to the 6-hour virtual training. Participants MUST register in advance to ensure they have time to complete the 2-hour online course or they will not be permitted to attend the virtual training. Registration for the training closes one week prior to the virtual training date. All seats are purchased in advance through the MHFA platform, therefore refunds are not permitted. Any course changes must be submitted 72-hours prior to the virtual training date. Participants must attend the full eight-hour
training to receive the certification.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)
The Health Promotion Team and Centre Counseling Services offers ongoing QPR classes intended to teach participants three steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR is a free, 60-90 minute suicide prevention training that teaches participants how to recognize a suicide crisis and how to get help.
You Can Help a Student: Creating a Community of Care in Your Classroom and Recognizing and Responding to Students in Distress
This 60 to 90-minute in-person workshop is similar to the “You Can Help a Friend” training. It is designed to help your faculty and staff understand how to identify and support struggling students and refer them for further support when necessary. Guided discussion points are embedded in the downloadable slide deck for this training.
Topics include:
- Understanding current trends in mental health among college students.
- Understanding your role in supporting students
- Identifying signs of distress in students.
- Discussing barriers to helping students.
- Knowing how to engage in conversation with a student in distress.
- Listing places and resources that can be used to support a student.
Don't Cancel That Class! Initiative
Are you expecting to miss one or more classes this semester due to a previously scheduled personal or professional engagement? Don’t Cancel that Class! The Health Promotion Team would be happy to take advantage of your class time to provide health and wellness education to your students.
Faculty and staff have the option to request a workshop centered around various wellness topics such as budgeting and finances, stress management, body image and nutrition, sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, and more! Presentations last about 1 hour.
Fall 2024 topics include:
- Introduction to Intuitive Eating
- Ed on Tap (Alcohol Education and Prevention Training)
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training)
- Bystanding
- Introduction to Mindfulness
- Nature Minded Wellbeing Workshops
