Bridging the Gap: Empowering Teachers and Students with Mental Health First Aid
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| Title: | Bridging the Gap: Empowering Teachers and Students with Mental Health First Aid |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Elena Saldutti, Joseph Donnelly, Mary Connolly, Judy LoBianco, Michele Pilon |
| Source: | Journal of Health Education Teaching. 2024 15(1):26-36. |
| Availability: | Journal of Health Education Teaching. 9563 Wedge Way, Delmar, MD 21875. Tel: 443-880-0394; e-mail: JofHET@yahoo.com; Web site: http://jhetonline.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Evaluative |
| Descriptors: | Mental Health, Student Welfare, Teacher Education, Faculty Development, Teacher Empowerment, Health Education, Skill Development, Readiness, Interpersonal Competence, First Aid |
| ISSN: | 2333-4851 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This paper addresses the critical need to enhance teacher preparedness for managing student mental health by integrating the National Health Education Standards (NHES) with Skills-Based Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Results: As the demand for effective mental health support in schools rises, the NHES framework offers a structured approach to health education, emphasizing comprehensive mental health strategies. By incorporating the recently revised NHES standards (2025), we explore how these guidelines integrate into MHFA training to better equip educators with essential skills and improve overall teacher readiness. Conclusions: We provide practical examples and demonstrate the benefits of a skills-based approach. The paper also examines the development of key competencies and highlights the importance of cultural competence when addressing diverse student needs. Additionally, it analyzes common challenges such as time constraints, resource limitations, and resistance from educators, and proposes strategies for overcoming these barriers, including administrative support and ongoing professional development. Recommendations: Ultimately, integrating NHES with MHFA training proves to be vital when creating a supportive learning environment and effectively addressing the growing mental health needs of students. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1463337 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This paper addresses the critical need to enhance teacher preparedness for managing student mental health by integrating the National Health Education Standards (NHES) with Skills-Based Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training. Results: As the demand for effective mental health support in schools rises, the NHES framework offers a structured approach to health education, emphasizing comprehensive mental health strategies. By incorporating the recently revised NHES standards (2025), we explore how these guidelines integrate into MHFA training to better equip educators with essential skills and improve overall teacher readiness. Conclusions: We provide practical examples and demonstrate the benefits of a skills-based approach. The paper also examines the development of key competencies and highlights the importance of cultural competence when addressing diverse student needs. Additionally, it analyzes common challenges such as time constraints, resource limitations, and resistance from educators, and proposes strategies for overcoming these barriers, including administrative support and ongoing professional development. Recommendations: Ultimately, integrating NHES with MHFA training proves to be vital when creating a supportive learning environment and effectively addressing the growing mental health needs of students. |
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| ISSN: | 2333-4851 |
