A pilot program at the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine aims to train students to become mental health ambassadors who can build a network of peer-to-peer support across campus.
Known as the Peer Wellness Program, this new initiative driven by ICOM’s Behavioral Health Department, aims to build a culture of mental health and wellness within the campus community. A group of eight students serve as ambassadors, providing peer support and building mental health awareness.
“I believe sometimes the best form of support is having an ally with shared experiences. That thought contributed to the creation of ICOM’s peer wellness program, which aims to create opportunities for a more supportive environment where students can connect with others who can understand and relate to the high demands of being a medical student,” said Shatae Mullins, LPC and Behavioral Health Specialist at ICOM. “By offering students a safe, non-judgmental space to connect and share experiences, this peer wellness program has the potential to encourage resilience and help foster a stronger sense of community, allowing students more opportunity to thrive both academically and personally throughout their medical school training.”
ICOM’s mental health ambassadors are trained in Mental Health First Aid, under the supervision of the College’s behavioral health specialists. This allows ambassadors to offer direct support to peers by providing a listening ear, connecting peers to mental health resources, and identifying challenges and opportunities for building a campus-wide culture of wellness.