Brighter Bronchos to Host Mental Health First Aid Training

The University of Central Oklahoma and Mental Health First Aid Oklahoma (MHFAO) have teamed up to host free mental health first aid training for students and faculty on Sept. 25 and 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Nigh University Center.

The training will teach participants how to recognize and respond to mental health, substance abuse, and suicidal tendencies of students. Those who complete the training will earn a three-year certification as trained mental health first aiders, as well as entry into a drawing for a $25 Target gift card.

A survey conducted by the Office of Health Promotion in collaboration with UCO in 2023 found that 77% of students experience moderate to severe psychological distress.

Aschley Ramjack, the Prevention Generalist for the Douglas County Citizens Committee for Alcoholism (DCCCA), said, “What we want to try to change with mental health first aid is the stigma behind receiving services. Being able to change the stigma by providing education and by providing resources that are available, whether on campus or off campus, can change someone’s life.” 

She continued, “The more individuals trained in mental health awareness, the more we’re able to impact our community and be there for our community. You don’t need to be a therapist to change someone’s life.”

The Brighter Bronchos program started in 2022 under the name Mental Health First Aid UCO and has been training individuals every year since.

Mental Health First Aid was brought to America from Australia in 2009 and has trained over 2.6 million Americans as mental health first aiders. Trainees should be able to have awareness and literacy around those with mental health difficulties, and assist in suicide and overdose prevention.

Registration for signing up ends on Monday, September 22, at 11:55 p.m. The course maximum is 30 participants; additional registrants will be placed on a waitlist. Additional sessions will be held on Oct. 2and Nov. 7. Registration is open on the Brighter Bronchos website.