The project will develop an evidence-based, culturally responsive, equity-infused mental health awareness training to enable K-12 stakeholders to recognize and respond to student mental health needs. It will provide professional development for educators and paraprofessionals and extend outreach and training to community members who have a role in student mental health. Project ISMHI will integrate evidence-based practices, including Mental Health First Aid; Cultural Competency & Humility Best Practices; and Trauma Mitigation to develop a streamlined curriculum and train. The project goals include 1) create an innovative, evidence-based curriculum to increase mental health awareness in educators and parents; 2) train educational professionals to (a) recognize signs and symptoms of serious mental illness and emotional disturbance; (b) implement crisis de-escalation and stabilization techniques; and (c) practice self-care strategies for providing mental health supports, and 3) implement a train the trainer model to scale up ISMHI across Iowa schools.

National data indicate that students, staff, and faculty are experiencing increasing mental health problems, longer-term pandemic impact, and work-related burnout. This research project will study the state of Iowa-based higher education staff and faculty mental health and well-being, including 1) mental health and well-being and perceived institutional support for mental health and well-being; and 2) confidence and competence to respond to and manage student distress. Read more about this project.