No cost mental health and suicide prevention training now available for Minnesota educators

A new online mental health and suicide prevention training is now available for Minnesota teachers and school staff at no cost. The training, called Kognito At-Risk Training for PK-12 Schools, will help educators recognize, respond, and help students in mental distress.

Students across Minnesota are facing new challenges as they navigate changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. Kognito At-Risk training will help educators and school staff understand and help students throughout this crisis, and beyond.

Kognito At-Risk uses virtual simulations to teach PK-12 educators about mental health and suicide prevention to support student wellness and school safety. Those taking the training will interact with virtually simulated students and then receive tips from a coach on to respond. The training emphasizes the use of interviewing and communication skills to help the student in a safe and effective way.

MDH encourages all Minnesota schools to enroll in this program. Participating schools will receive all the tools, resources, support and technical assistance they need to share the training for all school staff that have contact with students.

This training fulfills the teacher suicide prevention training requirements under MN Statute 122A.187, as determined by each school district. Participants will receive a certificate of completion. The training takes approximately one hour and is appropriate for teachers of all grade levels.

The project is a collaboration of the Minnesota Department of Health and the Department of Education with funds allocated through the Minnesota legislature.

Learn more about Kognito At-Risk or reach out to Stephanie Downey at Stephanie.Downey@state.mn.us for more information.