Stress, Resilience, and Psychological First Aid

Stress, Resilience, and Psychological First Aid is a community-based training program that equips individuals with practical skills to recognize the effects of stress and trauma, support others during difficult times, and promote healing within their communities.

Developed in partnership with the New York State Office of Mental Health and the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at SUNY New Paltz, the program was created in response to the chronic and cumulative impact of trauma experienced by communities in Buffalo following the May 14, 2022 tragedy. Today, the training is offered as part of the National Witness Project's umbrella of community education and outreach programs, expanding its reach while continuing its mission of building stronger, healthier communities.

What Participants Learn

This interactive training helps participants:

• Recognize signs of stress, trauma, and emotional distress

• Build personal resilience and healthy coping strategies

• Provide Psychological First Aid to individuals experiencing emotional challenges

• Respond with empathy, confidence, and cultural awareness

• Connect individuals to appropriate community resources and professional support

• Strengthen their ability to support families, neighbors, coworkers, and community members during times of crisis

Building Community Resilience

The goal of the program is to create a network of trusted community members who are prepared to provide compassionate, culturally responsive support when it is needed most. By increasing knowledge, reducing stigma around mental health, and strengthening local connections, participants become valuable resources who help foster healing, resilience, and emotional well-being throughout their communities.

Whether you are a community leader, service provider, faith leader, educator, volunteer, or resident, this training provides practical tools that can be used in everyday interactions to support the mental health and well-being of those around you.