Fairmont State University has been awarded $13,959 by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to fund Mental Health First Aid training for faculty and staff and professional development initiatives.

The funding reflects Fairmont State’s commitment to prioritizing mental health as part of its mission to be a great place to learn. The initiative aims to address a growing need as college students nationwide face mental health challenges.

The project will help faculty and staff identify and assist students experiencing mental health crises, particularly those hesitant to seek help. The grant will also fund participation in professional conferences to enhance the skills of Fairmont State’s social work and counseling teams.

The training is designed to provide faculty and staff with tools to recognize mental health issues, offer initial support, de-escalate situations, and guide individuals to professional resources.

“By providing faculty and staff with Mental Health First Aid training, we aim to create a supportive and proactive campus environment where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health,” said Caitlin Jividen, the university’s social worker. “Our goal is to reduce stigma, increase awareness of campus resources, and ensure students, faculty and staff receive the support they need during times of crisis.”

The grant will also allow Fairmont State’s social work and counseling staff to attend the National Association of Social Workers West Virginia Chapter Spring Conference, scheduled for April 23-25, 2025, in Charleston, and the American College Health Association Conference, which will be held May 27-31, 2025, in New Orleans.

“These conferences provide valuable opportunities for professional growth, networking and sharing best practices,” Jividen said. “Connecting with other professionals and institutions will help us enhance our mental health services and initiatives.”

The grant is part of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Behavioral Health Workforce Education Initiative, funded through Congressionally Directed Spending and matched by state funds. The initiative supports the mental health needs of students at public colleges and universities statewide while growing West Virginia’s mental health workforce.

The funding will help higher education institutions provide training, licensure and certifications to better prepare campus professionals to support student mental health needs.

Fairmont State’s Mental Health First Aid training program will be implemented over the next three months.