The Emotional Backpack

How to access this program?

Complete this form https://mhahouston.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b1KFDutBSnqZ28l to request a training.

What is the program? 

The Emotional Backpack Project is a grief-informed and trauma-informed program currently offered through Mental Health America of Greater Houston’s Center for School Behavioral Health. The program utilizes a train-the-trainer format and trains two designated facilitators from a campus on the Center’s core modules, lesson plans, and activities. The training prepares them to teach the modules to the staff at their home campus. Core modules include Children’s Mental Health, Trauma-Informed Classrooms, Trauma 102, Youth Suicide Prevention, and Self-Care for Educators. The training modules help infuse mental health awareness into the campus culture. 

Who is the program for? 

Educators on K-12 campuses.  

What outcomes does the program produce? 

• Increase in awareness of suicide warning signs 
• Increase in awareness of resources for help related to suicide risk 

What is the evidence? 

Haddad, S., Wingenbach, G., Engels, J., Freeny, J., Pozmantier, J., Hoeft, C., & Posada, A. (2022, April). Emotional Backpack Project: Professional development for school personnel after natural disasters. Poster session presented at the annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association. San Diego, CA, USA. 

During the 2019-2020 school year over 150 trainings were held for 13,800 participants. Results of the trainings show that there were statistically significant increases in participants’ understanding of student mental and behavioral health, confidence/comfort in approaching others about at-risk students, and understanding of mindfulness activities for personal and classroom use. Participants also had an increase in knowledge of equity, trauma, and suicide prevention.  

How is the program implemented? 

The Emotional Backpack is a year-long train-the-trainer program; 2 facilitators from a K-12 campus are trained in the Center’s core modules; facilitators teach the modules to their home campus equipping staff to better support student and family mental health on the campus. 

• Facilitators will be trained on all five modules by Center Professional Development staff 
• Modules are 1.5 hours in length and include a variety of activities and videos to reflect different learning styles 
• Facilitators will receive access to all training materials following the train the trainer sessions 
• Each facilitator will receive a continuing education credit certificate 
• Materials are updated on an annual basis to ensure they are reflective of current mental and behavioral health information 

Who can implement the program? 

Any teacher, administrator, or staff member can be trained as an Emotional Backpack Program Facilitator. The developer recommends selecting two individuals to act as facilitators. 

What are the costs and commitments associated with becoming trained in this program? 

Please contact the program for the most recent costs and commitments, as these may change. 

There are currently no cost due to grant funds. 

What resources are useful for understanding or implementing the program? 

• Website: https://mhahouston.org/get-help/disaster-relief/backpack/ 
• Training request form: https://mhahouston.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b1KFDutBSnqZ28l 

Any training or interventions from this list should be used in accordance with established staff development standards and adopted professional development policies of the Local Education Agency (LEA) per §21.451 and §21.4515 of the Texas Education Code (TEC), as well as the LEA’s grief and trauma-informed care policy and procedures in accordance with §38.036 and §38.351. While this training satisfies the statutory training requirements of §38.036, §21.451(d)(3)(A), §21.451 (d-1)(1), §21.451 (d-2) and §38.351 it is best practice for staff to receive ongoing training which may include job embedded professional development, coaching and annual training opportunities.  

Rating: Research Informed  

Secondary components: Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention; Early Mental Health Prevention & Intervention; Positive Safe and Supportive School Climate;