Three Cypress Resilience Project Instructors Recognized by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Three Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors for the Cypress Resilience Project, a program of the Public Health Institute, have been recognized by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing for their outstanding contributions to the field. The honorees and their recognized work are:

• Jermaine Williams was named Peer Specialist of the Year for his work supporting individuals navigating substance use and mental health challenges.
• Shuniqua Guss was named New MHFA Instructor of the Year for teaching the highest number of first aiders as a new instructor.
• Emelie Morales Smith was named MHFA Instructor of the Year for the state of Idaho.

This national recognition underscores the importance of mental and behavioral health supports that can respond in times of crisis and build the inherent resilience of communities.

Cypress Resilience Project destigmatizes accessing care, breaks down the siloes that exist between mental health, trauma, substance use and grief and continues to drive lasting change in systems meant to serve people. The program provides training to support the inherent resilience of individuals and communities who are managing trauma, experiencing grief and navigating mental health challenges. This includes Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), an evidence-based training course that provides the skills to recognize, understand and respond to signs of mental health or substance use crisis. Those who complete the Mental Health First Aid course earn a three-year certification from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.