UGA police, Student Affairs staff participate in Mental Health First Aid training

Corporal T. Parker George joined the University of Georgia Police Department in 2020 because he wanted to support his fellow UGA students.

“Policing at UGA is all about helping students and our community partners,” said George, who earned a bachelor’s degree from the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ sociology department in 2022 and is currently enrolled in the School of Law’s Master in the Study of Law program.

One of the biggest challenges in modern policing, George said, is “seeing the signs” of individuals with mental health challenges and getting them the help they need. This summer, George was one of the most enthusiastic participants in Mental Health First Aid, a new training initiative at UGA provided jointly by the UGA Police Department and the Division of Student Affairs.

The early intervention training, created and administered by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, teaches any employee or member of the public the skills they need to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges as well as how to provide initial support until they can connect with appropriate professional help.