Mental Health aid for higher ed

Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.

Currently, training is being offered in a virtual model. Participants will complete 2-hours of individual pre-work before the group assembles for approximately six hours of training in Zoom. Based on breaks, the training is likely a full-day. Due to size limitations, spots for training are limited to 20 participants.

To learn of upcoming training dates, please contact Dr. Natacha Keramidas at nlk16@uakron.edu.

This training — which focuses on the unique experiences and needs of college students — gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care. According to the American College Health Association, 1 in 5 university students is affected with anxiety and depression. University staff and faculty are pivotal in assessing the needs of students and connecting them to the correct resources.

In the United States, MHFA is overseen by the National Council for Behavioral Health, the Missouri Department of Mental Health, and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which collectively provide instructors, training, and technical support. Their goal is to make MHFA training as available and as familiar as CPR. Funded by the SAMHSA Garret Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant, the University is fortunate to have six colleagues who have received certification as facilitators who can deliver Mental Health First Aid training for our campus.