Publisher: Clarion, Pa. : Clarion University of Pennsylvania ; Edinboro, Pa. : Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Publication Date: 2022
Format:
1 online resource (44 pages) + 1 PowerPoint presentation (15 slides : color)
text file PDF
Description:
Background: Crisis events, both manmade and natural, could materialize at any time on the campus of a higher education institution, and often have a detrimental impact to the mental health of those experiencing the event. There is already a high prevalence in mental health disorders in college-age individuals and crisis events can often precipitate immediate and long-lasting effects to mental health regardless of an individual's mental state. Institutions of higher education already engage in crisis planning, or have emergency plans in place, but those plans rarely include interventions to mitigate the effects of a crisis event, or promote mental health recovery. Educational institutions have a duty to develop comprehensive crisis management plans that address safety of mental health, as well as physiological, before, during, and after crisis events. Research question: What is required to develop a policy that addresses mental health recovery during periods of crisis on a college campus? Objective: The purpose of this project is to develop an evidence-based policy to be added to the Edinboro University EOP that provides a framework for implementing mitigation efforts for mental health trauma before, during, and immediately after, crisis events on campus or crisis involving campus students, faculty, or staff. Methods: An Action Research Design was used to investigate and develop the proposal for a mental health recovery plan. Through engaging in the cyclic process of action research design, it has been identified that Edinboro University does not currently incorporate mental health recovery into its emergency operations plan, thus leaving the institution and its students, faculty, staff, and administration vulnerable to mental health trauma. The proposed mental health recovery plan was also developed adhering to policy standards provided by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Results: The proposed mental health recovery plan addresses components that are reflective of those already in the emergency operations plan including Purpose and Scope, Roles and Responsibilities, Situations and Assumptions, Concept of Operations, Process, and Organization. The proposed plan provides a framework for providing psychological first aid to those experiencing a crisis event associated with Edinboro University. The adoption of the proposed plan would be a proactive response to mental health trauma and impart a more comprehensive approach to Edinboro University's emergency operations plan. Conclusion: Crisis comes in many forms and can occur at any time. Individuals experiencing crisis are at a high risk of experiencing both immediate and long-lasting mental health trauma. Comprehensive crisis planning addresses actions that must be taken to protect all aspects of health and safety, including mental health. Incorporating mental health recovery planning into an institution's crisis planning provides a mitigation strategy for mental health trauma and better prepares the institution to meet the needs of all individuals associated with the organization.
