Mental Health First Aid Awareness at FM
Fifth Friday Speaker Series
The Foundation of FM invites the community to its Fifth Friday Speaker Series on Friday, October 31st, spotlighting a vital and timely topic: Mental Health First Aid.
This powerful breakfast panel, titled _“Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms in Providing Overall Support to Individuals,”_ aims to educate, connect, and empower the Fulton-Montgomery community with tools to better support mental health across campuses, workplaces, and homes.
Location:
The Allen House at FMCC
Time:
8:00 a.m. (Breakfast Buffet) | 8:30–9:30 a.m. (Program)
RSVP by October 24:
(518) 736-3622 x8020 or email [mtambasc@fmcc.edu](mailto:mtambasc@fmcc.edu)
Why Mental Health First Aid Matters Now More Than Ever
From college students managing academic pressure to adults facing post-pandemic burnout, **mental health challenges are at an all-time high**. Yet many community members still struggle to recognize the signs — or know what to do when they see them.
That’s where Mental Health First Aid comes in: a nationally recognized, skills-based training approach to help people identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.
The Goal of the Event: Recognize. Support. Empower.
This Fifth Friday session will help attendees:
– Recognize early warning signs of mental distress
– Learn how to offer non-judgmental support
– Understand when and how to seek professional help
– Explore how local organizations are responding to the growing need for community-based mental health awareness
Meet the Expert Panel
Moderator:
Jeremy Purtell – Mental Health Crisis Counselor at The Family Counseling Center & Liaison to SUNY Fulton-Montgomery Community College
Panelists
Maggie Rowley – Senior Director of Client Services, The Family Counseling Center
Katie Broadwell, LMHC-D – Licensed Mental Health Counselor, The Family Counseling Center
Katie Kiffney – C-SPOA Coordinator, Mental Health Association of Fulton and Montgomery Counties
Their combined insight will help demystify mental health support and offer practical, actionable guidance for community members, educators, students, and leaders.
More Than Just Breakfast: It’s a Community Investment
The Foundation of FM is proud to offer this event free of charge, complete with a complimentary breakfast buffet. But the real value is in the connection: neighbors learning how to better care for each other — and themselves.
Whether you’re a teacher, parent, retiree, business owner, or student, this conversation is for you.
Mental health is core to the student success and cultural enrichment mission of the Foundation of FM. As a nonprofit that raises funds for underfunded programs, cultural events, and educational enhancements at FMCC, the Foundation knows that true education extends beyond textbooks.
“When we equip our community with tools for empathy and support, we’re investing in a healthier, more connected future,” says a representative from the Foundation.
How You Can Help Beyond Attending
Donate to Mental Health & Student Support Programs:
Your contributions help the Foundation host future events like this and fund programming that supports FMCC students’ well-being year-round.
Join the Monthly Sustainers Circle: Even a small monthly gift ensures continuity for projects that promote health, education, and culture.
Leave a Legacy: Planned giving options allow you to support mental wellness for generations to come.
Seats are limited. RSVP by October 24 by calling (518) 736-3622 x8020 or emailing [mtambasc@fmcc.edu].
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