From Theory to Practice: Cost-Effective Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Education for Global Public Health Curricula
1
School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2623
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Mental health challenges and suicide risk among students and professionals represent a growing global public health (PH_ crisis, yet practical, cost-effective educational approaches remain underrepresented in PH curricula. This workshop will address this gap by presenting a model now formally integrated into the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) Core Curriculum Programme (Domain 3: Mental Health and Wellbeing), providing an internationally recognised framework for implementation. A pilot study at University College Dublin, Ireland, demonstrated significant engagement among 64 graduate students of PH from 28 countries participating in experiential learning combining neuroscience, stress physiology, and resilience-building. This evidence-based approach has attracted substantial interest across European academic forums, establishing proof-of-concept for scalable, culturally adaptable mental health education.
METHODS:
This interactive workshop will employ a three-phase structure. Phase one will engage participants in collaborative exploration of mental health challenges, risk factors, and suicide prevention principles, grouping common issues and examining underlying scientific mechanisms. Phase two will deliver practical, evidence-based well-being techniques including breathwork and neuro-resilience practices that are immediately implementable in educational or organisational settings. Phase three will facilitate a debriefing discussion on cost-effective implementation strategies, addressing how institutions can establish sustainable mental health modules without extensive resource investment.
RESULTS:
Participants will acquire practical skills in identifying mental health challenges, applying evidence-based resilience techniques and designing cost-effective curriculum components. The session will conclude with concrete partnership pathways, offering direct liaison opportunities to adapt this ASPHER-aligned model for participants' universities or organisations, supporting sustainable module development tailored to local contexts.
CONCLUSIONS:
Mental health and well-being education must transition from theory to practical, cost-effective implementation. This workshop will demonstrate that experiential, inclusive approaches can build resilient learners and professionals globally, advancing health equity through accessible, sustainable mental health education across borders.
Mental health challenges and suicide risk among students and professionals represent a growing global public health (PH_ crisis, yet practical, cost-effective educational approaches remain underrepresented in PH curricula. This workshop will address this gap by presenting a model now formally integrated into the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER) Core Curriculum Programme (Domain 3: Mental Health and Wellbeing), providing an internationally recognised framework for implementation. A pilot study at University College Dublin, Ireland, demonstrated significant engagement among 64 graduate students of PH from 28 countries participating in experiential learning combining neuroscience, stress physiology, and resilience-building. This evidence-based approach has attracted substantial interest across European academic forums, establishing proof-of-concept for scalable, culturally adaptable mental health education.
METHODS:
This interactive workshop will employ a three-phase structure. Phase one will engage participants in collaborative exploration of mental health challenges, risk factors, and suicide prevention principles, grouping common issues and examining underlying scientific mechanisms. Phase two will deliver practical, evidence-based well-being techniques including breathwork and neuro-resilience practices that are immediately implementable in educational or organisational settings. Phase three will facilitate a debriefing discussion on cost-effective implementation strategies, addressing how institutions can establish sustainable mental health modules without extensive resource investment.
RESULTS:
Participants will acquire practical skills in identifying mental health challenges, applying evidence-based resilience techniques and designing cost-effective curriculum components. The session will conclude with concrete partnership pathways, offering direct liaison opportunities to adapt this ASPHER-aligned model for participants' universities or organisations, supporting sustainable module development tailored to local contexts.
CONCLUSIONS:
Mental health and well-being education must transition from theory to practical, cost-effective implementation. This workshop will demonstrate that experiential, inclusive approaches can build resilient learners and professionals globally, advancing health equity through accessible, sustainable mental health education across borders.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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