Program prepares participants to help colleagues' mental health

Navigating the rapids of pharmacy school is not easy, and stress is a shoal on which students can founder. Taking some time to focus on mental health and wellness can help get you through!

And now there are some more hands on deck. A new pharmacy cadre has completed the Mental Health First Aid program.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a course that teaches individuals how to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps individuals identify, understand, and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.

"We started MHFA training and our MHFA Peer Support Program in 2021 as an additional source of support for students," said Cathy Worrall, associate dean of admissions and student affairs. "Some students may be feel uncomfortable seeking support from someone in the college or a provider at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), but may seek out a peer for support.

"Our MHFA providers steer students to resources available on campus to help them cope with mental health issues they may be experiencing. They also serve as a resource for the college, helping us identify mental health and wellness issues being experienced by the student body and suggesting actions we can take (e.g., programming, initiatives) to enhance our students’ wellbeing."

Congratulations to all participants and thank you for helping your colleagues!

• Gadson Alexis
• Dallin Billow
• Mary Christine Buehner
• Rosalind Chorak
• Anthony DeClue
• Ava Dotlich
• Frederique Doue
• Ethan Fannin
• Joli Fermo
• Mallory George
• Dorothea Hofler
• Mosher Kyela
• Marc Lapointe
• Morgan McKinney
• Ivy Nguyen
• Saibriyya Pou
• Isabella Ruppert
• Rani Shah
• Zomaria Smith