Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis in someone is extremely important, especially for those faculty and staff who interact with many different people each day. College of Western Idaho (CWI) is continuing to offer free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for the Fall 2023 semester.
MHFA training consists of online modules completed in advance of the training date and either a Zoom or in-person meeting to practice the action plan. Gaining skills in non-judgmental listening, empowering people to promote help-seeking skills, and reducing stigma around mental health challenges, participants will enter a community of helpers at the College upon completion.
The certification lasts for three years.
Eleven CWI employees are certified MHFA instructors. So far approximately 200 CWI staff and faculty have taken the course. Instructors hope to train at least 100 more this school year.
“Having College employees trained to offer assistance in a mental health situation is an important step in creating a culture of care on the CWI campus and in our communities,” said Jodi Hickenlooper, Assistant Director of Counseling and Wellness Services.
CWI employees interested in MHFA training are encouraged to register for virtual and in-person sessions scheduled throughout the Fall 2023 semester.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Room 309
Ada County Center Pintail Building, Room 1205
Zoom
Ada County Center Pintail Building, Room 1318
For departments interested in booking a group training, MHFA instructors are happy to make that happen.
For those with questions or interested in learning more about MHFA trainings, please reach out to Jodi Hickenlooper at jodihickenlooper@cwi.edu or mhfa@cwi.edu.
The College will also offer two Mental Health Tidbits: Mental Health First Aid Brown Bag discussions in October and November via Zoom, which is open to the entire campus community. MHFA instructors will facilitate interactive conversations on topics including student development and assessing and utilizing your strengths.
