Recognizing 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 offering free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings to 300 employees for the Fall 2022 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.
Last Spring, nearly 90 CWI faculty and staff were trained in MHFA thanks to the expertise of 15 CWI employees, certified as MHFA Instructors.
“The ability to recognize these signs in someone and how to respond is so important,” said Program Manager of the CWI Program Management Office, Christie Cremer, who is also a MHFA certified instructor. “You don’t always know what's going on in the life of a student, or even a colleague. One of the most important things this training offers is Hope with Facts and it explains how anyone can be impacted by mental health problems and a mental crisis.”
CWI employees interested in MHFA training are encouraged to register for virtual and in-person sessions scheduled throughout October.
Friday, Oct. 14 — In-person
Tuesday, Oct. 25 — Virtual
Register for Fall 2022 MHFA Trainings
The College will also offer Brown Bag Meetups in October and November via Zoom. The meetings will discuss two topics when it comes to mental health, community resources, and veteran specific needs.
Brown Bag Meetup dates:
Wednesday, Oct. 12 — Community Resources
Friday, Nov. 11 — Veteran Specific Needs
The Brown Bag Meetups are open to those certified in MHFA as well as those interested in becoming a certified MHFA.
For more information on the trainings and access to the meet-ups, contact Christie Cremer at christiecremer@cwi.edu or mhfa@cwi.edu
