St. Mary's Medical Center partners with Marshall University to offer de-escalation training

St. Mary's Medical Center, a member of Marshall Health Network, is proud to announce a new partnership with Marshall University to provide de-escalation training through the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). This initiative demonstrates St. Mary's commitment to enhancing patient care and ensuring a safe, supportive environment for both patients and staff.

Twenty-six St. Mary’s Medical Center employees received CPI training June 24-26, 2024, at the Marshall University Memorial Student Center.

The training program, hosted by Marshall University's Center of Excellence for Recovery, focuses on equipping health care professionals with the skills necessary to intervene effectively with individuals experiencing crises. The CPI training emphasizes an evidence-based, person-centered approach, ensuring that responses are not only effective but also respectful and empathetic.

Amy Saunders, director of the Center of Excellence for Recovery, shared her enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are happy to have the opportunity to partner with our local hospitals to bring training to help equip staff with the skills to intervene with individuals experiencing a crisis in a trauma-informed and compassionate approach. It is our hope that the training increases safety and well-being for both patients and staff."

The 26 St. Mary's employees participating in the training represent a diverse group of health care professionals, all dedicated to improving their ability to manage crisis situations with confidence and care.

Kirsten Budd, CTRS, CPI/Behavior Emergency Response Team (BERT) Coordinator at St. Mary’s, said by integrating CPI's evidence-based techniques into their daily practice, these employees will be better prepared to de-escalate potentially volatile situations, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care provided at St. Mary's Medical Center.

“Our staff's ability to handle crises calmly and compassionately is crucial, and we are committed to investing in their professional development to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients."

According to the CPI website, 74% of health care facilities who participate in CPI training reduce challenging behavior. This collaboration marks an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to foster a safer health care environment and demonstrates Marshall Health Network’s and Marshall University's shared commitment to community health and wellness.