Episode 20 – Building a Community of Care: Mental Health First Aid with Dr. Joe Leblanc and Karla Kale

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum talks with Dr. Joe Leblanc and Karla Kale about mental health first aid, a practical approach that helps faculty and staff recognize when someone may be struggling and respond with care. Using the metaphor of being a first responder, they discuss how educators can learn simple, evidence-based tools to start supportive conversations and connect people with help. Listen in as they discuss: The ALGEE model, a flexible framework for approaching conversations and offering support How to move past the fear of saying the wrong thing when someone may be struggling Common warning signs of distress and how to respond thoughtfully Campus resources like Madison Cares and training opportunities through CFI and the Counseling Center The connection between well-being, burnout, and creating a supporting campus community They also emphasize a key reminder: approaching someone with care is always a meaningful first step.Subscribe to the Podcast listserv!CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.