Why Mental Health First Aid for Higher Education Matters More Than Ever mental health first aid prevention Jan 28, 2026

Colleges and universities are being asked to do more than ever when it comes to student mental health. Rising levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and substance use are intersecting with academic pressure, workforce shortages, and increased expectations on faculty and staff—many of whom do not...

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Go Upstream – Applying a Prevention Mindset to Workplace Mental Health prevention Jan 26, 2026

This post was commissioned by the Arizona Chapter of the National Safety Council to promote it's upcoming Southwest Safety Conference 2026. It appears at Guest Post: Go Upstream - Applying a Prevention Mindset to Workplace Mental Health - National Safety Council - Arizona Chapter.

When dead fish be...

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Mental Health: The Silent — and Growing — Risk in Small Businesses mental health first aid small business Dec 10, 2025

I’ve been in business for about 2.5 years now, and the vast majority of my clients have been medium- to large-sized companies. That’s where most of the investment in workplace mental-health training is happening. But a recent Inc.com article, “People Working at Small Businesses Worry Most About Ment...

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Finding Stability After “Whiplash” Moments aihaconnect purpose resilience Jul 03, 2025

This blog post was written for the AIHA SynergistNow blog and the original posting can be found at Finding Stability After “Whiplash” Moments | AIHA.

During spring break this year, my eight-year-old son was finally tall enough to drive a go-kart on his own. I’m not usually a fan of go-karting. Li

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If You Have Time to Scroll and Post, You Have Time to Check In With Someone #anniversary #traumarecovery socialconnections Jun 23, 2025

One year ago, devastating flooding hit northwest Iowa — homes lost, businesses upended, and lives forever changed. This past weekend, community members gathered in remembrance, resilience, and reflection.

But for many, the flood isn’t something that happened last year. It’s something that still fee...

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From AIHA Synergist: An Introduction to Mental Health First Aid aihaconnect mental health first aid Apr 25, 2025

This article was written by Abby Roberts -Assistant Editor at AIHA for Synergist and Synergist NOW. It was originally published online at the AIHA Synergist Blog (An Introduction to Mental Health First Aid | AIHA). This post is to promote to the American Industrial Hygiene Association members and af...

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Like Sand through the Hourglass socialconnections surgeongeneral Mar 29, 2025

Say it with me: "So are the Days of Our Lives!" Gen Xers and Millennials, unite! (Other readers, ask your grandma or great aunt!) Unlike the simpler times when our only choice for daily entertainment was an afternoon soap opera on NBC, CBS, or ABC, we now live in a world of 24/7 digital content. Pic...

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Breaking the Myths: Mental Health First Aid Covers More Than Just Crisis Response mental health first aid prevention selfcare Mar 13, 2025

I am learning that there is a common misconception that Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is solely about crisis response. While it does provide critical skills for recognizing and assisting individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, MHFA also emphasizes self-care, prevention, an...

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Self-Care Isn’t Selfish entreprenuer selfcare small business Oct 30, 2024

Dear readers, it’s time to stop the old story that doing things for ourselves is selfish or takes away from others. Picture the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” This wisdom is more relevant than ever in today’s hustle culture. 

I teach Mental Health First Aid, a training that helps adult...

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Mental Health First Aid as a Part of a Comprehensive Employee Well-Being Strategy #surgeongeneral mental health first aid Jul 24, 2024

This blog is cross published at Covenant Workplace Solutions (Original Publish Date July 24, 2024)

In the US Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being (Fall 2022), five essential components, grounded in science and human needs, shape the approach: Protection from Harm, ...

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Two Ears, One Mouth: The priceless gift of non-judgmental listening #listening #socialconnections #surgeongeneral mental health first aid Nov 20, 2023

A priceless gift you may consider offering any time of year is the gift of nonjudgmental listening. In a society where the paradox of loneliness prevails1 despite our digital connections, the art of truly connecting through nonjudgmental listening becomes priceless.

If you are one of the 3 million+...

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Mental Health First Aid Part 2 - Why am I teaching it? mental health first aid new beginnings purpose small business Oct 09, 2023

With a 20-year career in worksite health and well-being programs, I have witnessed how employers invest in employee happiness and health. I gained a lot of expertise in determining effective and ineffective approaches. My experience leading a successful team in this field sets the stage for my passi...

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