Student and Faculty Surveys:
The Mental Health Committee (MHC) occasionally surveys students, faculty, and staff to determine the impact of mental health issues on the well-being of our EPCC community. The information gathered from these surveys is used to create and shape some of the projects endorsed by the MHC.
For example, the results from a survey completed by over 1,000 EPCC students during Spring 2019 semester led to the creation of EPCC Cares, EPCC’s mental health and social services center. From this survey, we learned the following shocking statistics:
· Only 11% of our students that were diagnosed with a mental illness were currently seeing a mental health care provider.
· Most students surveyed struggled with stress management, which negatively impacted their academic performance and personal lives.
· Over half of the students indicated that they would seek mental health services at EPCC, if offered.
The MHC surveyed students again during the Spring 2020 semester and replicated the original findings. Mental Health Surveys are conducted when necessary.
For more information, contact:
Carrie Van Houdt
Phone: (915) 831-2458
E-mail: cmelia@epcc.edu
Mental Health First Aid Trainings:
Mental Health First Aid is a free, 8-hour training brought to EPCC by Emergence Health Network. With this training, you will be prepared to understand, identify, and respond to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge. Mental Health First Aid does not teach you how to be a therapist, but it does teach you how you can provide initial support in a crisis situation until appropriate professional resources are available. By being prepared to deescalate incidents in the case of an emergency, you can prevent dire outcomes in crisis situations. Those who complete the training receive a certification that is valid for three years. There are multiple training sessions during any given semester. You must be over the age of 18 to sign up for this training.
For more information, contact:
Carrie Van Houdt
Phone: (915) 831-2458
E-mail: cmelia@epcc.edu
Mental Health Resource Fairs:
The Mental Health Resource Fair is an event that connects the El Paso Community College (EPCC) community with local mental health resources and support systems to promote education, well-being, and resilience. Community agencies provide a comprehensive array of local resources, information, and support for EPCC students, staff, and faculty seeking mental health assistance. The fair’s primary goals are to increase mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and empower individuals to seek help. It is held once every semester in the spring and in the fall. The campus location varies each semester.
For more information, contact:
Guadalupe Marshall
Phone: (915) 831-4040
E-mail: gibarra@epcc.edu
Mental Health Mini-Conference:
The Mental Health Mini-Conference consists of a series of workshops that equip El Paso Community College (EPCC) faculty and staff with knowledge and skills needed to support student mental health and to maintain their own well-being. Examples of workshop topics include:
· recognizing signs of mental health issues in students
· strategies for supporting students with anxiety or depression
· promoting work-life balance and self-care
· stress management techniques
· dealing with grief and loss
· building healthy relationships
· improving self-esteem
· mindfulness and meditation practices
· time management and productivity
· developing conflict resolution skills
Workshops are given by EPCC faculty and staff every semester during EPCC’s Faculty Development Week. Workshop topics and conference schedule vary every semester.
For more information, contact:
Adriana Flores
Phone: (915) 831-2534
E-mail: aflor264@epcc.edu
NAMI Support Groups:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Connection Recovery Support Group is a free recovery support group program that offers respect, understanding, encouragement, and hope to those affected by mental health conditions. NAMI Connection groups are designed to connect, encourage, and support participants using a structured support group model. Support group sessions are led by trained facilitators living in recovery themselves.
Virtual support group sessions are currently held Thursdays from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm via Zoom. This group welcomes individuals aged 18 and older who identify as having a mental health condition. Participant confidentiality is respected.
For more information, contact:
Adriana Flores
Phone: (915) 831-2534
E-mail: aflor264@epcc.edu
Retirement Mentorship Committee:
The Retirement Mentorship Committee encourages mentorship connections between former El Paso Community College (EPCC) employees and current employees who are in the process of retiring from EPCC. It also works with the EPCC Human Resources department to invite speakers and promote workshops on topics relevant to those undergoing the retirement process. Workshop topics include emotional and psychological adjustment practices. Event schedule varies every semester.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Kim Diaz
Phone: (915) 831-7210
E-mail: kdiaz60@epcc.edu
