news-category: College of Health Sciences GWU Hunt School of Nursing Recently Hosted Mental Health First Aid Training By Office of University Communications On August 24, 2022 Eight Individuals Participated in National Initiative to Increase Mental Health Literacy BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Hunt School of Nursing (HSON) recently sponsored a Mental Health First Aid Instructor Course. Offered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, eight individuals achieved instructor certification through this program. HSON Associate Director and Associate Professor Dr. Anna Hamrick coordinated the event, and five individuals affiliated with GWU were trained as instructors. Attendees also included a local YMCA staff member, a faculty member from another higher education institution, and a guidance counselor for Cleveland County (N.C.) Schools. The others from Gardner-Webb were: Stephanie Allen, Director of Counseling Services.Megan Peek, University Counselor.Dr. Ashley Isaac-Dockery, Assistant Professor HSON.Dr. Lindsey Goldberg, Doctor of Nursing Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP-PMHNP) Program, graduate from May 2022.Krystal Pendergraft-Horne – Student currently enrolled in DNP. “These eight new instructors will be able to turn and teach the MHFA basic course in their circles of influence,” Hamrick shared. “We were pleased that the new instructors included individuals from K-12 public education, higher education faculty and staff, athletic coaches, and the general public.” This groundbreaking skills-based course teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges. Similar to physical First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid helps individuals assist someone experiencing a crisis until professional assistance is obtained or the crisis is resolved. One in five Americans has experienced mental illness, and the pandemic has dramatically increased depression and anxiety, but many are reluctant to seek help or don’t know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of mental health and substance-use challenges can be difficult to see. Friends and family members may find it hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not receive care until it is too late. Mental Health First Aiders learn a Five-Step Action Plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support. “It’s never been more important for our communities to talk about mental health and substance use,” noted Chuck Ingoglia, president and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, which helped bring Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. in 2008. “Mental Health First Aid is breaking down barriers and stigma so that together we can learn how to better support one another. Without mental health, there is no health.” Since its introduction, Mental Health First Aid has certified more than 2.6 million people in the United States as Mental Health First Aiders, and that number is growing every day. About the National Council for Mental Wellbeing Founded in 1969, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing is a membership organization that drives policy and social change on behalf of nearly 3,200 mental health and substance use treatment organizations and the more than 10 million children, adults and families they serve. About Gardner-Webb University Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb Assistant Provost Dr. Greg Pillar Selected to Participate in National Conference Inaugural HigherEd PodCon Showcases Over 40 Presenters from North America BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Assistant Provost Dr. Greg Pillar has been selected to participate in the inaugural HigherEd PodCon set for July 12 at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Pillar is one of over 40 presenters and will be featured in a session on […] Office of University Communications | May 14, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Alumnus and Retired Navy Commander John E. Sutton is Speaker for University’s Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be Held on May 23 at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb will host its Memorial Day Observance on Friday, May 23, at 11 a.m. in Dover Chapel, and the public is welcome to attend. Each year, the University sets aside this time to remember the lives of those who have […] Office of University Communications | May 13, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb Celebrates Achievements of Nearly 500 Graduates University Awards its 25,000th Bachelor’s Degree During Spring Commencement Ceremony BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University hosted its Spring Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. in Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center. Families and guests celebrated the achievements of nearly 500 students in traditional undergraduate, online, and graduate programs of study. Gardner-Webb University Interim President Nate Evans […] Office of University Communications | May 8, 2025