Spiritual First Aid Training Equips Oklahoma Community Leaders to Respond with Compassion

The Oklahoma Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives (OFBCI), in partnership with the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), recently brought Spiritual First Aid™ training to Oklahoma City, equipping approximately 50 community members with practical tools to provide spiritual and emotional care during times of crisis and trauma.

Hosted by Life Restoration Center Church, the training brought together pastors, church volunteers, nonprofit leaders, community partners, and other everyday helpers who share a desire to better serve those around them.

Spiritual First Aid is a biblically informed, evidence-informed, and trauma-informed training designed to help participants recognize distress, respond with compassion, and walk alongside individuals experiencing difficult circumstances. The training emphasizes the importance of listening well, connecting people with appropriate resources, and caring for others while also practicing healthy self-care.

OFBCI is grateful to OSDH for the partnership that made this training possible and to Life Restoration Center Church for generously providing a welcoming space for the community to gather and learn.

The strong participation reflects the growing desire across Oklahoma for churches and community organizations to be better equipped to respond when individuals and families experience crisis.

When communities are equipped to respond with compassion, humility, and hope, everyone becomes better prepared to care for their neighbors.