Safety goes beyond responding to physical emergencies. It also means knowing how to recognize when someone may be struggling and knowing what to do.
On September 23, IECRM members gathered for a Safety Forum focused on Suicide Prevention and Mental Health First Aid, presented by Community Reach Center.
Just as CPR and First Aid training gives people the knowledge and confidence to respond when someone is experiencing a physical emergency, Mental Health First Aid provides practical tools for responding when someone may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.
Participants started the morning with breakfast from Chick-fil-A, including chicken and waffle breakfast sandwiches, coffee, and fresh fruit cups, along with assorted donuts from Dunkin’ Donuts.
Building a Stronger Workplace Starts with Looking Out for One Another
Community Reach Center Subject Matter Experts Kristina Sand and Grecia Morgado led the training and introduced participants to Mental Health First Aid, including how to recognize warning signs, approach difficult conversations, and connect someone with appropriate support.
Kristina Sand is Community Reach Center’s Executive Administrator and Mental Health First Aid Coordinator. She has organized more than 80 MHFA classes throughout Adams and Broomfield Counties and is a certified Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Grecia Morgado is a Marketing and Communications professional at Community Reach Center and a certified Adult Mental Health First Aid instructor. She is passionate about increasing mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and making mental health information and resources more accessible to Hispanic and Spanish-speaking communities.
What Participants Learned
The training focused on practical skills that can be used both in and outside the workplace. Participants learned how to:
- Recognize potential signs of mental health and substance use challenges
- Identify warning signs and different types of crisis situations
- Approach someone privately and start a supportive conversation
- Listen without judgment and respond with empathy
- Encourage appropriate professional help
- Connect individuals with resources and support
- Understand the importance of early intervention
- Respond appropriately when someone may be experiencing a crisis
Click here to download the presentation.
The session reinforced an important message: you do not have to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Knowing how to recognize the signs, start a conversation, and connect someone with help can be an important part of creating a safer, more supportive workplace.
Missed the Safety Forum?
If you weren’t able to attend IECRM’s Safety Forum, you can still get trained. Community Reach Center offers free Mental Health First Aid certification classes, and no previous mental health experience is required.
Mental Health First Aid can be another valuable tool in your workplace safety toolkit, alongside CPR, First Aid, and other safety training.
Learn more and find an upcoming class:
Community Reach Center Mental Health First Aid Classes
