Jennifer L. Burns, PhD

Widener University is launching a new training program for students, faculty and staff who are interested in building skills and knowledge to better support students in need of assistance with mental health issues.

The Mental Health Advocate Training Program, which includes both self-paced online learning opportunities and in-person training experiences, has officially launched. It is a multi-level initiative designed to promote mental health awareness and strengthen our campus community's capacity to support student well-being. It allows participants to engage at a level that aligns with their interests and responsibilities.

The three levels of training from which to choose include:

Level 1 – foundational training, equips all participants with basic mental health awareness and campus resources to promote emotional well-being and resilience.

Level 2 – skills-based training, provides targeted training for people to enhance their skills to be equipped to support others in crisis or manage mental health challenges.

Level 3 –develops advanced skills and knowledge that participants can then share within their community.

Across all levels, participants will become more familiar with available campus resources, learn strategies to reduce stigma surrounding mental health concerns, and develop greater confidence in supporting students and their peers while connecting them to appropriate services. 

Opportunities are also available for members of the community who wish to become trained as facilitators. The first training will be Sept. 30 from 3 to 5 p.m. for faculty and staff. Future opportunities are being planned for student trainings.

Those who wish to learn more about any of the trainings should reach out to Jennifer Burns, executive director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at jlburns1@widener.edu or Rebecca Ross, director of Student Accessibility Services at rross@widener.edu.

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Widener University is proud to announce two notable developments that will help strengthen mental health services available to students on the Chester campus.

The Steve Fund Equity in Mental Health on Campus initiative has offered Widener placement in an 18-month cohort that focuses on how well the university is doing at providing services to students of color. The Steve Fund is an organization dedicated to supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.

Through this new initiative, Widener will undergo an assessment process that yields evidence-based recommendations and strategies to better inform, support and strengthen the mental health of our students. The entire effort speaks to Widener’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.

The university has also received a $300,000 Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant, awarded through the federal Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. The grant, which will be spread out over three years, includes funding to:

•    Provide outreach and public education for students with mental health, suicide and alcohol use disorders.
•    Provide training for students, faculty and staff on identifying and making referrals for students with mental health and substance use problems, and paying special attention for first-year and first-generation students through monthly programming.
•    Develop a program of undergraduate student mental health ambassadors, and opportunities for graduate students to provide psychoeducational programming and mental health screenings. These efforts will further institutionalize student engagement in mental health and substance abuse education.
•    Enhance partnerships with local mental health care providers who treat Widener students with more serious and long-term needs than the university’s Counseling and Psychological Services office can accommodate on an ongoing basis.
•    Fund the hiring of a project coordinator to facilitate these efforts.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/node/32220