The University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Nursing and Midwifery, in collaboration with Behavioral and Mental Wellness Coaching (BMWC-USA), has launched a two-day seminar on mental wellness, named the Real Time Access Program First (RAPFIRST).
The seminar, held at the UCC School of Nursing and Midwifery, aims to address the growing concerns about mental health in both academic and broader communities.
The program is designed to offer practical tools and resources for effectively managing mental health challenges and emphasizes the importance of real-time access to mental health support to prevent severe issues.
Professor Jerry Paul Ninnoni, Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, highlighted the significance of the seminar by stating, “Mental health is a critical component of our overall well-being, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes a crisis.
RAPFIRST is a dynamic tool that helps us navigate adversity and promote personal wellness through peer-to-peer wellness groups and effective coping strategies.”
He noted that the program aims to support a wide range of individuals, including those with mobility challenges, veterans, law enforcement, and educators, emphasizing that it has positively impacted thousands of people across six countries.
Professor Wali Mutazammil Truman addressed the rising mental health issues among students and the need for proactive measures to build resilience and awareness.
He mentioned, “Over the past two years, we’ve seen many students struggling with mental health problems. We need to empower them and provide the tools to manage their mental health effectively before issues escalate.”
He added that the seminar is not only for the School of Nursing but is relevant for all professionals, encouraging a broader approach to mental health awareness and support.
Abigail Aloriwe, a registered nurse and RAPFIRST facilitator, stressed the foundational role of mental health, stating, “Mental wellness should be prioritized just as much as physical health.
RAPFIRST helps us build resilience and maintain wellness through practical strategies like identifying stressors and employing coping skills, outlining key strategies for mental health maintenance, including self-care, stress management, and early intervention.
Participants also shared their reflections on the seminar, Joyce Efuah Arthur, a student at the Department of Mental Health Nursing, found the seminar highly valuable, saying, “I’ve learned that my wellness is my responsibility. This knowledge will help me be a better nurse by taking care of myself first.”
John Evans Fiifi Ansah, a community mental health nurse, described the seminar as impactful and revealing, noting, “The program has provided me with valuable insights that I will apply in my community.”
Florence Antwi, a mental health nurse, echoed similar sentiments, calling the seminar “very educative” and expressing her intention to apply the learned strategies in both her personal life and professional field.
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Source: Flora Tang/ATLFMNEWS
