Pace University has launched a mental health first aid (MHFA) program aimed at providing its community with skills to support individuals facing mental health or substance use challenges. The initiative, funded by a grant from the National Council on Mental Wellbeing and in partnership with Montefiore Medical Center, extends across all three of Pace’s campuses.
The MHFA course is open to faculty, staff, and students. It offers practical strategies for recognizing and assisting those experiencing mental health difficulties. According to Vinnie Birkenmeyer, director of Residential Life in Westchester and the staff member who introduced the program to Pace in 2023, “The course and content are presented in way that allows participants to learn tools they can use in everyday life. A campus community has folks of many different backgrounds, identities, and experiences so learning skills that are helpful for a variety of folks is very beneficial.”
Feedback from over 60 participants indicates positive outcomes despite the training requiring a two-hour pre-module followed by a full day of virtual instruction. Many have found it worthwhile.
The university’s goal is to train 500 people by the end of the grant’s fourth year; so far, 200 have completed the program. Plans include integrating MHFA training into new staff onboarding and encouraging broader participation among faculty and students.
Birkenmeyer emphasized inclusion as central to this effort: “At its core, inclusion calls us all to work together when we are in community.” He added, “I hope this training encourages participants to utilize these skills in their everyday life—with their families, friends, or strangers they interact with who may need a supportive person to help them navigate a difficult situation. It is critical for us to prioritize mental health and wellbeing.”
By embedding this training into university culture, Pace aims to create an environment where members feel empowered to support each other.
