Pillar College To Host Free Virtual Mental Health First Aid Training

Pillar College and the Division of Injury Prevention are offering a series of free virtual mental health programs that teach skills to help identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse issues. At the end of the training participants will receive a certificate that is valid for three years.

The training is offered on Friday, March 12 (3-9 p.m.) OR Saturday, March 27 (10- 4 p.m.). Registration info is below.

“The DHHS (Division of Injury Prevention) is the Division that offers the Mental Health First Aid Training Program to bring awareness to the challenges of mental health and addictions,” said Dr. Maxine Bradshaw, Department Chair for Psychology & Counseling and professor at Pillar College. “They aim to equip individuals to recognize the symptoms within themselves and others, and to provide initial assistance to those in crisis.”

Dr. Bradshaw said this event is for anyone 18 or over with a passion to help those in need. It started out as a program open to Pillar College students in the Biblical Studies program and now registration is opened up to the larger community.

This training had to be adjusted from an eight hour in-house training to virtual training due to the pandemic. Registered participants will receive a link with pre-sessions instructions and lessons. They have to read the material to prepare for a multiple choice test that should take 30-45 minutes to complete. After participants complete the virtual training a post test and evaluation link will be sent out. Participants will only receive a three-year certificate after successfully completing the day of training and the post test and evaluation.

The Coronavirus has put mental health to the forefront due to the results of drastic changes as a result the pandemic.

“There will always be challenges in life, but COVID-19 ramped up the level of stress experienced by all ages, race, ethnicity and socio-economic and political groups,” said Dr. Bradshaw. “All the stress associated with loss or restriction in movements from normal social contact with loved ones, peers and social and religious support is exacerbated by the fear of death. People are unable to receive closure over the deaths of loved ones and the unknown future has placed a burden on the mental health field.”

Dr. Bradshaw hopes that this training will create awareness and more people will be able to assist in mental health.

“That is why this training is significant as it brings awareness to the need for positive mental health and offers solutions to implement on a personal and professional level” said Dr. Bradshaw.  “COVID 19 led to an environment that those who typically provide the physical and mental health assistance, now themselves need the help they offered to others. Indeed, the need for mental health assistance has increased enormously.”

The training is scheduled for Friday, March 12 (3-9 p.m.) OR Saturday, March 27 (10- 4 p.m.). For information, contact Dr. Maxine Bradshaw at mbradshaw@pillar.edu, or (973) 803-5000, x1009. Participants can register for this event at pillar.edu/training.

About Pillar College

Pillar College is a comprehensive institution of higher learning, providing a Christ-centered education. Pillar College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and licensed by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and a member of the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Pillar College offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree programs. Pillar College educates, inspires and equips students for excellent scholarship, service and leadership. Rooted in and committed to Christian faith, Pillar College fosters intellectual, spiritual and social development among its diverse student population. Pillar College has locations in Newark, Somerset, Paterson and Plainfield, New Jersey. Founded in 1908. For more information about Pillar College, visit https://pillar.edu