Community members across Grand Junction and the Western Slope have an immediate opportunity to support local schools and youth mental health initiatives by completing a free online training course. Each completion of the "Be There Certificate" training through Sunday, November 8, will raise $25 for the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center (WCAHEC). These funds are specifically earmarked for educational materials in western Colorado schools, according to WCAHEC Executive Director Georgia Hoaglund.
The proceeds will help equip school-based lessons on opioid use disorder, fentanyl, and other drugs. Additionally, the money will support workforce development efforts for aspiring healthcare professionals in the region. This initiative is part of a recurring "challenge grant" from the Born This Way Foundation, uniquely structured so that it does not require financial donations from participants. Instead, individuals contribute simply by dedicating their time to complete the online mental health training.
The "Be There Certificate" training is designed to help individuals build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to support someone struggling with their mental health. The core aim is to teach communities that anyone can make a positive difference in the life of someone who is struggling, even without extensive mental healthcare credentials. Hoaglund stated the training focuses on the positive impact of kindness, validating emotions, and reducing the stigma associated with mental health. She described the course as "short and simple."
The training itself includes six interactive courses, available in English, Spanish, and French, with optional videos and readings for supplementary information. Completing the full course typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours. To ensure participation counts towards the challenge grant, individuals must register through WCAHEC’s designated link.
WCAHEC can earn up to $7,000 through this initiative, which translates to a maximum of 280 completed trainings. As of Monday, October 19, just over 60 people had earned their certificate, leaving less than three weeks to reach the goal before the November 8 deadline.
Executive Director Georgia Hoaglund explained that the funds raised are crucial for providing "take-home materials and participation incentives — candy and swag, like bracelets that say 'know your worth'" for school programs. She noted that while many grants cover direct program costs, they often do not fund these types of interactive items, which she highlighted as essential for engaging students. Hoaglund added that these lessons aim to empower students with knowledge about why to avoid drug use, shifting away from a simple "Just say no" approach.
Beyond drug education, some funds will support workforce development for students interested in healthcare careers. WCAHEC's broader mission, as articulated by Hoaglund, is to help students successfully enter, secure, and maintain healthcare jobs. The Western Colorado Area Health Education Center serves as the Western Slope’s satellite office for a national network of over 300 regional area health education centers, established by Congress in 1971.
The center offers personalized healthcare learning opportunities for the community and professional development experiences for healthcare providers. Its local activities include providing medical career development resources, facilitating community-based education on fentanyl and mental health, and maintaining a network of naloxone kiosks across Mesa, Delta, Montrose, and San Miguel counties. WCAHEC currently supports 210 active apprentices in certified nursing assistant classes and received a $2 million grant from the U.S. Labor Department in 2021.
For those unable to complete the online training but still wishing to support WCAHEC, checks can be sent to the nonprofit at 2938B North Ave.
