Local students learn mental health support

Five area students have completed the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s Recognize, Respond and Refer mental health support course.

Sophie Beightol is from Belgium.

Eva Hernandez Cortes of Grafton is studying human resource management.

Ava Loose of Port Washington is studying business education.

Isabelle Thomas of Fredonia and Leah Viesselmann, both of Grafton, are studying elementary and middle education.

The Recognize, Respond and Refer program is a proactive mental health course designed to strengthen UW-Whitewater’s campus community and suicide prevention efforts. It trains students, faculty and staff to identify signs of emotional distress and to respond with empathy, active listening and genuine concern. 

Participants also learn how to refer individuals to appropriate campus or community resources in a timely manner.