The Compassionate Newsroom

E30 Certified to Care: Becoming a Mental Health First Aider in Your Newsroom


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Certified to Care

Becoming a Mental Health First Aider in Your Newsroom
Part 3 of 3 – Mental Health First Aid Series
Hosted by Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon

In the final episode of this special three-part series, Dr. Kortni shares how Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training can transform newsrooms from the inside out. Drawing from her experience as a news director, happiness scholar, and certified MHFA Instructor, she explains how this evidence-based training equips journalists and news leaders to better recognize, respond to, and support mental health challenges within their teams.

She also introduces her nonprofit, KALM – The Kortni Alston Lemon Media Institute for Workplace Wellbeing, and how it is certifying journalists across all platforms — from TV and radio to newspapers and digital — through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.

💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
  • Why MHFA is a vital tool for journalists, editors, and newsroom leaders

  • What the training covers — from recognizing trauma to responding in crisis

  • How to lead with empathy using evidence-based mental health tools

  • Why journalist well-being is a pillar of press freedom and democracy

    🧾 MHFA Training Covers:
    • Signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges

    • How to interact with someone in a mental health crisis

    • How to connect someone to professional help

    • Expanded content on trauma, substance use, and self-care

      Special Pilot Rate:

      $100 (normally $170)
      Join the growing waitlist for upcoming sessions led by Dr. Kortni.

      🔗 Learn More & Sign Up:

      👉 www.kalminstitute.org

      Chapters

      00:00 Introduction to Mental Health First Aid in Newsrooms
      01:34 The Importance of Supporting Journalists' Wellbeing
      03:39 The Birth of CALM: A Commitment to Journalists
      06:09 Training for News Professionals: Mental Health First Aid
      10:20 Creating Safe Spaces in Newsrooms
      12:54 The Role of Mental Health First Aid in Journalism
      14:22 The Connection Between Wellbeing and Journalism
      16:17 Empowering Journalists Through Mental Health Support

      ...more
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      The Compassionate NewsroomBy Dr. Kortni Alston Lemon