Training and Certifications for Public Health and First Responders at CCP 

At Community College of Philadelphia, the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are of utmost importance. We strive to improve in these areas any way we can. This year, we have achieved new ways of enhancing resources and opportunities for members of our community.

In September, the CCP Counseling department offered employees an opportunity to complete a Mental Health First Aid Certification training in partnership with the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS). This training is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge to assist people experiencing mental health challenges. Having staff on campus with this certification has enhanced our ability to support our students and colleagues in maintaining mental health, wellness, and crisis response protocols.

Additionally, some CCP staff members attended the JED Foundation Campus Cohort Convening meeting in November. This year, the College was awarded a $5,000 grant by the JED Foundation and was invited to join a national cohort of community colleges in strategic planning to promote best practices in supporting students. As part of this strategic planning, the College implemented a new informational webpage for mental health resources and suicide prevention. We also hosted a Mental Health Awareness Day Conference that offered a full day of programming to spread awareness about mental health resources both on and off campus. The day featured a keynote address from Councilperson Kendra Brooks, presentations from Psychology 110 students and tabling from various community organizations.

CCP also maintains several resources to help those facing addiction or who are in recovery. Our Office of Collegiate Recovery has Narcan available to anyone who may need it, and some CCP staff members are certified and trained in administering Narcan.

This year, three students in our Behavioral Health and Human Services (BHHS) program, as well as one staff member, completed the 40 hour Certified Domestic Violence Advocate training with Lutheran Settlement House and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in partnership with the CCP Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. This certification will provide students with the expertise they need to move forward with their career goals and assist others. Increased opportunities for specialized certifications are needed to help staff best serve our College community and further the education of our students. 

Last November, we administered a survey to students in a coordinated effort to better understand what services and resources will meet their mental and emotional health needs. As we look toward the future, we will continue to use this survey and other research to inform our strategies for enhancing the safety of our community and identify additional knowledge areas that will benefit students in our social services programs.