Fairmont State University has secured a $13,959 grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to expand mental health support on campus. The funding will be used to provide Mental Health First Aid training for faculty and staff, as well as to support professional development initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s mental health services.
The grant underscores Fairmont State’s ongoing commitment to addressing the mental health challenges faced by college students nationwide. As part of its mission to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment, the university is prioritizing mental health as a critical component of student well-being.
The primary goal of the grant is to equip faculty and staff with the skills necessary to identify and assist students experiencing mental health crises, especially those who may be reluctant to seek help. In addition to the training, the grant will also fund attendance at professional conferences, enabling the university’s social work and counseling staff to stay current with the latest best practices in mental health support.
Training to Support Campus-wide Mental Health Awareness
The Mental Health First Aid training will provide faculty and staff with the tools to recognize signs of mental health issues, offer initial support, de-escalate potential crises, and connect students with appropriate professional resources.
“We want to ensure that mental health is viewed with the same importance as physical health,” said Caitlin Jividen, the university’s social worker. “This training will foster a more proactive and supportive campus environment, reduce stigma, and increase awareness of available resources for students, faculty, and staff during times of crisis.”
Opportunities for Professional Growth
In addition to the training, the grant will fund the participation of Fairmont State’s social work and counseling staff in two key conferences: the National Association of Social Workers West Virginia Chapter Spring Conference in Charleston, scheduled for April 23-25, 2025, and the American College Health Association Conference, set for May 27-31, 2025, in New Orleans.
“These conferences provide invaluable opportunities for professional development, networking, and sharing best practices,” Jividen said. “Attending these events will help us strengthen our mental health initiatives and improve services for students.”
Part of Statewide Effort to Address Mental Health Needs
The grant is part of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Education Initiative, which is funded through Congressionally Directed Spending and matched by state funds. The initiative is designed to support the mental health needs of students at public colleges and universities across the state while expanding West Virginia’s mental health workforce.
The funding aims to improve the capacity of higher education institutions to train, license, and certify professionals who are equipped to address student mental health concerns.
Fairmont State’s Mental Health First Aid training program is set to begin in the next three months, marking a significant step in the university’s ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive support to its students.
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