The tireless efforts within the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) community continue to propel the mission of ensuring mental well-being becomes a reality for all. A vital cog in this machinery is the MHFA Coordinators, pivotal in orchestrating seamless course operations alongside Instructors.
Jasmine Breeden, an MHFA Coordinator, is celebrating a significant milestone for her organization, WellPower, a National Council for Mental Wellbeing affiliate. Under her stewardship, WellPower, based in Denver, has successfully trained over 2,000 Mental Health First Aiders.
Jasmine embarked on her MHFA journey back in 2020 upon joining WellPower. Through various roles within the organization, she found her niche in mental health training, eventually delving into MHFA in 2022. Driven by a passion for training and a desire to effect change, she assumed the role of MHFA Coordinator two years later.
Determined to become proficient in MHFA, Jasmine immersed herself in understanding the program’s intricacies, seeking insights from fellow Coordinators, and fostering partnerships, notably with the Colorado Behavioral Health Council (CBHC), to ensure uniform MHFA provisions statewide. Her responsibilities include supporting classes requested by organizations aligned with CBHC and providing meticulous assistance to Instructors. Coordinators play a pivotal role in managing logistical aspects, thereby easing the burden on part-time Instructors who often juggle teaching with other commitments.
“At WellPower, our commitment revolves around fostering healthier communities through mental health awareness. Our outreach endeavors aim to underscore the significance of MHFA training. Recognizing the unique needs of younger demographics, we’ve prioritized MHFA training for schools and youth programs, believing that equipping youth with mental health knowledge fosters resilience and supportive communities,” emphasizes Jasmine.
The impact of Jasmine’s efforts transcends WellPower, as organizations such as Denver Parks and Recreation, the Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Public Schools, and numerous small businesses have experienced firsthand the transformative power of MHFA training:
Denver Parks and Recreation: Witnessing an influx of diverse visitors, Denver’s local rec centers mandated MHFA training for employees to better serve their community. Learners lauded the course’s effectiveness in enhancing job-related skills, empowering staff to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, thus fostering a healthier recreational environment.
Bureau of Reclamation: MHFA implementation within the agency has fostered a culture prioritizing mental health, destigmatizing discussions, and promoting open dialogues about well-being among its workforce.
Denver Public Schools: Introducing Youth, Adult, and Teen MHFA has led to a safer and more empathetic learning environment. Educators and staff are now equipped to address students’ mental health needs, enhancing the overall well-being of the school community.
Small Businesses: Trained employees in various small businesses bring heightened awareness of mental health challenges to the workplace, fostering a supportive atmosphere that positively impacts individuals and the team as a whole.
Looking ahead, Jasmine envisions Mental Health First Aid in the community characterized by inclusivity, resilience, and empowerment. Through expanded training initiatives and new partnerships, WellPower aims to foster a community where mental health takes precedence, stigma diminishes, and individuals feel empowered to support one another. Jasmine eagerly anticipates forthcoming endeavors, including collaborations with Denver Public Schools and the expansion of certified Instructors.
Expressing gratitude to mentors and collaborators for their unwavering support, Jasmine underscores the importance of building a robust support network and fostering community engagement for aspiring MHFA Coordinators. “By collaborating and prioritizing community engagement, Coordinators can magnify their impact and empower others to champion mental health awareness,” she affirms.
As Jasmine celebrates this remarkable milestone, it serves as a poignant reminder of the collective impact achievable through dedication and compassion within communities. For those interested in joining the MHFA community, training opportunities abound, offering individuals the chance to identify, understand, and respond to mental health challenges in their communities. MHFA isn’t merely a certification—it’s a commitment to championing mental health. And for existing First Aiders, the call to become MHFA Instructors beckons, heralding a chance to extend the reach of MHFA across the nation, effecting positive change in communities far and wide. Together, we can #BeTheDifference!
