Oakland Community College launches mental health first aid training for students and staff

Oakland Community College has launched a new, free mental health first aid training course for students and staff during Mental Health Awareness Month. The course will teach individuals how to recognize the symptoms of common mental health issues as well as give them skills and tools for how they can respond and assist individuals in need of help. Completing the course will award participants with a Mental Health First Aid certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

According to an article on Oakland Community College’s website, Kristina Marshall, who serves as the Director of Institutional Standards and Practices at the college, was quoted as saying of the new course, “We know college students often experience stress, anxiety, and depression, financial and food insecurity, the challenge of balancing work, family and school. Those competing responsibilities can feel isolating and overwhelming. This training empowers employees across all departments to be a part of the support system and lead the way. Together, we are creating a supportive learning environment where students can succeed because they know OCC cares.” 

The training was implemented after student feedback and staff survey responses indicated that the campus community was in need of better support when it comes to mental health. The program that is now available to students, staff, and faculty has been designed to destigmatize mental health needs and create a campus-wide support community.

The course is 7.5 hours long and will focus on how to react when encountering someone experiencing a mental health crisis. Among the skills taught are how to recognize when someone is experiencing a common mental health challenge, responding with confidence and empathy, maintaining appropriate boundaries while providing support, referring to professional support when necessary, and how to create a safe and supportive environment. Completing the program will award participants with a Mental Health First Aid certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing that will be valid for three years.

Jahquan Hawkins, who serves as the Dean of Students and the co-chair of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, completed the training himself and is now teaching the course to others. He said, “With the training, you become an asset to a student who may have been looking at you as an adversary. Now you have the tools to help the student navigate a crisis and connect them to the right kind of support. Faculty and front-line staff will be better able to identify signs and symptoms of a student who may be struggling or dealing with a crisis; and they will have the resources to refer the student.”

Dr. Shawna Boomgaard, who is a social worker as well as a faculty member at the college, further explained of the course, “It’s basically recognizing signs and symptoms when someone is having a mental health crisis. The training shows us how we can support students, colleagues, friends, family and community members. It truly gives participants the language and confidence to help someone who is actively in a crisis.”

For more information about Oakland Community College, visit the school’s website.