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

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