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Employee Assistance & Counseling Center

Mental Health Advocate Program

The UAB Enterprise Mental Health Advocate Program offers a platform to showcase your commitment to promoting mental health within the UAB community. UAB Mental Health Advocates play a vital role in encouraging others to seek support when needed. And by proudly displaying a Mental Health Advocate Badge, you can inspire others to prioritize well-being in their own lives and contribute to a culture that promotes mental health for all.

UAB Mental Health Advocates are NOT trained to offer mental health or crisis counseling and coaching.


Select a program track for Faculty/Staff to learn more about eligibility, training and more...


  • Mental Health Advocate Level 1

    Earning the Mental Health Advocate Level 1 badge showcases your commitment to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma and fostering an inclusive environment.

    Eligibility
    Badge is available to all UAB/UAB Medicine faculty, staff, trainees and students.

    Registration
    To begin your Mental Health Advocate Level 1 training, employees must first register for the Mental Health Advocate Badge Learning Path through the Campus Learning System. As each step is completed, the Campus Learning System will track your progress and update accordingly.

    Training Requirements

    • Kognito At-Risk for Faculty and Staff offers tools that can help individuals recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health issues among students or peers. The digital learning program also provides guidance on how to initiate conversations with those who might be struggling and how to connect them with the appropriate campus resources.
    • QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training is an evidence-based workshop that aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to warning signs of people in crisis, particularly those who may be considering suicide. With suicide being a prevalent issue today, it is crucial to have individuals who are trained to intervene and provide support to those who are struggling with mental health issues. Attending a QPR workshop can provide you with the necessary tools to potentially save a life and make a positive impact in your community. Visit the EACC Events Calendar to register for an upcoming session, offered via Zoom. Registration opens 30 days prior to date of session.

    • Explore the UABwell App (employee profile): Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store, build a self-care plan and explore features of the app. Upon completion, you will submit an attestation in the Campus Learning System.

    • Overview of UAB Wellness Resources: Level 1 participants will watch a video outlining UAB Wellness Resources available for employees at UAB. After reviewing, you will complete a brief quiz in the Campus Learning System.
  • Mental Health Advocate Level 2: Faculty/Staff

    Earning the Mental Health Advocate Level 2 badge recognizes you have completed evidence-based training to identify and support peers experiencing mental health challenges, leading to a safer and more supportive campus community and promoting a culture of mental health awareness.

    Eligibility
    Badge is available to all UAB/UAB Medicine faculty, staff, trainees and students who are badged as Level 1 Advocates. Employees must select either the Faculty/Staff or Leader track for Level 2 training.

    Registration
    To begin your Mental Health Advocate Level 2 training, employees must first register through the Campus Learning System. As each step is completed, the Campus Learning System will track your progress and update accordingly.

    Training Requirements for Faculty/Staff
    As each step is completed, the Campus Learning System will track your progress and update accordingly.

    • Mental Health First Aid can equip you with essential skills to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This comprehensive course is designed for individuals in different fields of work, including healthcare, education, and public service, to provide mental health support to those who may be experiencing a crisis. With an emphasis on empowering you to offer initial assistance and support, the course can enable you to make a significant difference in someone's life.
      Individuals must complete pre-work and attend the all-day training to receive full credit. Visit the EACC Events Calendar to register for an upcoming session. Registration opens 30 days prior to date of session. Nursing Continuing Education (ABN:7.2 ANCC 6.0 contact hours) and Social Work Continuing Education is available upon request.
    • Explore myStrength for UAB: The digital platform provides UAB employees and members of their immediate household free access to web and mobile tools for increased emotional health and well-being. The myStrength app features hundreds of resources on topics like stress management, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, parenting, substance abuse and more. Visit go.uab.edu/mystrength for instructions on how to download the app. Upon completion, you will submit an attestation in the Campus Learning System.
  • Mental Health Advocate Level 2: Leaders

    Earning the Mental Health Advocate Level 2 badge recognizes you have completed evidence-based training to identify and support peers experiencing mental health challenges, leading to a safer and more supportive campus community and promoting a culture of mental health awareness.

    Eligibility
    Badge is available to all UAB/UAB Medicine faculty, staff, trainees and students who are badged as Level 1 Advocates. Employees must select either the Faculty/Staff or Leader track for Level 2 training.

    Registration
    To begin your Mental Health Advocate Level 2 training, employees must first register through the Campus Learning System. As each step is completed, the Campus Learning System will track your progress and update accordingly.

    Training Requirements for Leaders
    As each step is completed, the Campus Learning System will track your progress and update accordingly.

    • Mental Health First Aid can equip you with essential skills to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This comprehensive course is designed for individuals in different fields of work, including healthcare, education, and public service, to provide mental health support to those who may be experiencing a crisis. With an emphasis on empowering you to offer initial assistance and support, the course can enable you to make a significant difference in someone's life.
      Individuals must complete pre-work and attend the all-day training to receive full credit. Visit the EACC Events Calendar to register for an upcoming session. Registration opens 30 days prior to date of session. UAB/UAB Medicine Departments may reach out for a department training with the Request an EACC Presentation form. Nursing Continuing Education (ABN:7.2 ANCC 6.0 contact hours) and Social Work Continuing Education is available upon request.
    • Explore myStrength for UAB: The digital platform provides UAB employees and members of their immediate household free access to web and mobile tools for increased emotional health and well-being. The myStrength app features hundreds of resources on topics like stress management, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, parenting, substance abuse and more. Visit go.uab.edu/mystrength for instructions on how to download the app. Upon completion, you will submit an attestation in the Campus Learning System.
    • VitalCog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace teaches participants the skills needed to proactively address the early warning signs of mental health and suicide in the workplace. Did you know individuals with depression miss an average of 4.8 days of work each year and experience 11.5 days of reduced work productivity? In this seminar, you will learn how to create a “safe space” for dialogue regarding workplace mental health challenges. Register for an upcoming session in the Campus Learning System.
  • Mental Health Fellow Tracks
    Mental Health Fellow Tracks

    The Mental Health Fellow badge represents the highest level of mental health training and expertise. Earning the Mental Health Fellow badge shows you possess advanced skills to address mental health challenges, respond to critical incidents and educate others on cultivating a coordinated approach to mental health and well-being on campus.


    Facilitator Track

    • Eligibility: Badge is available to UAB/UAB Medicine employees and trainees who are badged as Level 2 Advocates. Participants must be approved by their immediate supervisor and a director from the Employee Assistance & Counseling Center, Student Counseling Services or the UAB Medicine Office of Wellness. To apply, download and complete the Mental Health Fellow Facilitator Application below and submit via email to beaUABAdvocate@uab.edu.
    • Training: Facilitators must complete either QPR Instructor Training or MHFA Instructor Training. For more information regarding training opportunities contact Tami Long, EACC Director.


    UAB Medicine and HSOM Faculty/Staff Peer Responder Track

    Emergency responders frequently encounter situations that may trigger a strong emotional, physical, cognitive, or behavioral reaction. These reactions can be distressing and impact their performance during and after events. Furthermore, they face daily stressors that are typical in both their personal and professional lives. The cumulative effect of stress and trauma can have adverse consequences on their mental health. Fortunately, peer support can play a vital role in helping first responders cope with these challenges. Colleagues who have gone through similar experiences can lend a helping hand by providing support and referring them to appropriate resources.

    • Eligibility: Badge is available for UAB Medicine and HSOM faculty/staff working in the clinical setting who are badged as Level 2 Advocates.
    • Training: Peer Responders must complete RISE Peer Responder Training to be eligible for the Mental Health Fellow Peer Responder badge. Visit the EACC Events Calendar to register for an upcoming session.