A truly healthy workplace goes beyond physical safety – it also supports our emotional and mental wellbeing. That’s why we are proud to recognize two RJM employees, Emily Krautkremer and Cindy Luoma, who took the leap to become Mental Health First Aid certified by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

The Mental Health First Aid Certification (MHFA) is an evidence-based, early intervention course aiming to teach others how to support individuals who experience challenges with mental health and substance use. Since its introduction in 2013, it’s been supported by over 70 peer-reviewed studies.

After completing pre-work, Emily and Cindy went to a full-day program filled with presentations, group work, and a final test. After passing the test, they were both certified Mental Health First Aiders! To understand more about the MHFA certification, we sat down with Cindy and Emily to learn about their journey.

What inspired you to become MHFA certified?

Emily shared that she has always had a passion for helping others and recognized how many struggle to maintain their mental wellbeing. When the opportunity to become certified found her inbox, she knew it was something she wanted to explore.

With a background in psychology and a strong interest in understanding others, Cindy was drawn to this certification. After seeing how much isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic affected people, she knew she wanted to find some way to help people if they needed it.

What would you say to someone that is unsure if they want to pursue this certification?

Cindy would recommend to anyone considering the certification to dig into what it means to be a Mental Health First Aider and talk to someone who has gone through the training. She believes that we need more people to put in time for important issues like this one.

Emily agrees with Cindy but also mentions the importance of self-awareness. She says it is a valuable skill set to have, but it is important to understand if you are comfortable with having conversations that can sometimes be heavy.

Their Greatest Takeaway:

Emily: Everyone has mental health

While not everyone will experience mental illness, everyone has mental health, and it can fluctuate. To help support mental health for all, we need to give it the same attention that we give to our physical health.

Cindy: The importance of listening

Mental Health First Aiders are here to listen to those who may need it, not offer advice and solve their problems. This is an important distinction to make. By simply listening, you can make a meaningful difference.

We are extremely proud of Cindy Luoma and Emily Krautkremer for putting in time and effort to complete something for the betterment of our workplace and beyond. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing has a goal to make 1 in 15 individuals MHFA certified. Will you be next? Reach out to the HR department or visit the website if you are interested in becoming MHFA certified! #BeThe1in15