The Wellness Council of Indiana announced on March 19 the launch of the Indiana Workplace Wellness Training Academy, a new statewide resource developed in collaboration with the Indianapolis Colts’ Kicking The Stigma initiative. The program aims to help employers address mental health and substance use challenges among employees by providing evidence-based training and practical skill-building.
The initiative comes as workplace mental health issues are increasingly present on the job, prompting organizations to seek ways to support employee well-being. Through the Academy, employers can access training designed to help them recognize and respond to mental health and substance use concerns, reduce stigma, and foster supportive work environments.
Ashley O’Rourke, executive director of the Wellness Council of Indiana, said: “Workplaces can play such a critical role in supporting the overall well-being of their employees. When an employee is struggling, it generally doesn’t stay at home; it follows them into work. This Academy helps employers move from good intentions to meaningful action, with hands-on training and real-world tools that make it easier for them to build workplaces where people feel supported and can truly thrive.”
The Academy offers foundational sessions including Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), Saving a Life: QPR Gatekeeper & Naloxone Training, The Working Mind, and Mental Health Skills Refresher. These trainings are available both at the Indiana Chamber Conference Center in downtown Indianapolis and virtually for select sessions. Employers may also schedule onsite instruction for most courses. Preferred pricing is offered to member organizations of the Wellness Council of Indiana.
Brett Kramer, director of Kicking The Stigma, said: “Kicking The Stigma is committed to expanding access to mental health education and ensuring people have the tools to recognize when someone may be struggling and how to respond. By partnering with the Wellness Council of Indiana to bring these trainings to employers across the state, we’re helping build more supportive workplaces and strengthening the overall mental well-being of Indiana’s workforce.”
More information about available training through the Indiana Workplace Wellness Training Academy can be found at indianawellnessacademy.org.
