Session Description

Good intentions alone don't prepare us to respond when a colleague is struggling. Many employees want to help but hesitate because they fear saying the wrong thing, making the situation worse, or simply don't know where to begin.

This session explores why mental health education is the critical bridge between awareness and action.

Participants will examine how mental health literacy builds confidence, reduces barriers to helping, and strengthens psychologically safe workplace cultures.

The session will also explore the importance of cultural competence and cultural humility in meeting people where they are, recognizing that experiences of mental health are shaped by culture, identity, and lived experience.

Through practical examples - including Mental Health First Aid as one model of mental health education - participants will discover how preparation empowers individuals and organizations to respond with greater confidence, empathy, and understanding.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain why mental health education is a critical component of a psychologically safe workplace and how it prepares employees to respond with confidence and compassion.
• Identify common barriers and misconceptions that prevent people from supporting colleagues experiencing mental health challenges and describe how education helps overcome them.
• Recognize the importance of cultural competence and cultural humility in providing respectful, person-centered support that meets individuals where they are.

About the Speaker

Jacquilyn Ann Davis, CDP® serves as the Director of Learning & Workforce Development at Mental Health Connecticut, Inc., a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with individuals, families, and communities to promote long-term health and wellness. With a professional background that bridges communications, workforce development, diversity education, and facilitation, Jacquilyn has built her career around creating meaningful learning experiences that support both personal and organizational growth.