Tri Sigma Equips Members to Combat the College Mental Health Crisis Through National First Aid Certification Program

Tri Sigma is proud to announce the successful launch and continued expansion of its Mental Health First Aid Certification Program. Recognizing the urgent mental health needs of young adults, Tri Sigma has proactively implemented this nationally recognized early-intervention program to equip members with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges.

Today’s college students are navigating a complex landscape of emotional, academic, and social challenges. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 36% of young adults between 18 and 25 are struggling with mental illness—the highest rate among all adults—yet they remain the least likely to seek treatment. By embedding Mental Health First Aiders directly within its chapters, Tri Sigma is effectively bridging the critical gap between students in distress and the professional resources capable of providing long-term help.

"Data from surveys completed by Tri Sigma members and the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence show that our members have a better understanding of mental health than generations before them, but a gap still exists on how to intervene or support those experiencing challenges,” said volunteer Prevention Specialist for Tri Sigma and Licensed Professional Counselor Lauren Cunkelman, Alpha Delta–Drexel University. "Becoming a Mental Health First Aider is the first step in closing that gap and empowering our members to step in and support others."

To ensure every collegiate chapter has a strong, sustainable support system, Tri Sigma launched an initiative to fully fund the certification for one collegiate member and one advisor per chapter. During the program's inaugural year, 160 collegiate members, chapter advisors, and alumnae successfully earned their certification, creating stronger networks of care on college campuses and in communities nationwide.

The implementation of this program was made possible by generous donors of the Tri Sigma Foundation. This funding allowed the sorority to invest in the specialized training of three certified MHFA facilitators who, in turn, certified the additional participants.

Participants learned how to identify early warning signs of mental health or substance use challenges, listen non-judgmentally, provide immediate reassurance, and confidently refer individuals to professional support. The response from the 160 newly certified members has been overwhelmingly positive, with survey respondents noting the coursework provided them with the direct tools needed to save lives.

By continuing to expand this certification program, Tri Sigma is prioritizing the holistic wellbeing of its sisterhood, empowering young women to lead with empathy, and proving that healthy communities begin with members who know how to truly support one another.

Tri Sigma has subsidized the certification fee to make it accessible to all alumnae for $50. This allows post-graduate members to utilize the training for professional development, earn potential Continuing Education Unit credits, and foster cultures of mental wellness in their own workplaces and communities.

Members can log into sigmaconnect.trisigma.org to learn more, view upcoming training dates, or register for a training session.