Doors to Wellbeing invites you to join our monthly Peer Specialist Webinar Series. This FREE continuing education opportunity brings experts by experience to expand peer specialist skills, knowledge and best practices. The series is the last Tuesday of every month (except December) at 2pm ET/1pm CT/12pm MT/11am PT.
Taking Action for First Responders
This one-hour webinar provides an overview of Taking Action for First Responders, an adaptation of SAMHSA’s evidence-based Taking Action curriculum designed to support those working in emergency and frontline care settings. First responders—including EMTs, nurses, and other frontline professionals—often encounter individuals experiencing mental health challenges, crises, and co-occurring substance use disorders. This session introduces a practical, recovery-oriented approach that strengthens empathy, awareness, and effective response strategies while supporting the wellbeing of both responders and the people they serve.
Participants will learn how the Taking Action framework helps responders recognize signs of distress, respond in ways that promote dignity and hope, and connect individuals to recovery-oriented supports in their communities. The webinar will also highlight the importance of self-awareness and sustainable practices that allow frontline workers to continue providing compassionate care in high-pressure environments.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the purpose and key principles of the Taking Action for First Responders approach for responding to mental health and substance use crises.
- Identify ways frontline and emergency care professionals can respond to individuals experiencing distress using recovery-oriented and compassionate practices.
- Recognize how the Taking Action framework supports both effective crisis response and the wellbeing of first responders themselves.
About the presenter: BeaJae North
BeaJae North is an inspiring and influential leader who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Western region at the Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery. BeaJae has outstanding skills in training, facilitating, consulting, and connecting with people, empowering them to embrace their perspectives and respect those of others. BeaJae's approach nurtures personal growth and collective understanding, laying the groundwork for meaningful and transformative experiences.
Having traveled worldwide, BeaJae has conducted workshops and shared impactful stories, urging individuals to explore their experiences and understand how stories shape their connections with others. BeaJae's workshops are well-regarded for providing unique opportunities to build confidence and cultivate essential skills, enabling participants to achieve and experience the life they aspire to.
This is part of Doors to Wellbeing's Peer Specialist Webinar Series.
