Emotional CPR (eCPR) is a public health education program that can be used to support individuals through emotional crisis, build community, and promote organizational change. eCPR is a trauma-informed, person-centered approach designed to help individuals develop empathic relationships with others and the world they interact with. Developed by people with lived experience of mental health challenges, eCPR teaches the essential skills of Connecting, Empowering, and Revitalizing. Learn more at emotional-cpr.org.

The NC AHEC System is proud to provide a series of opportunities for participants to learn about and practice eCPR in their communities. You may choose to attend any or all of the following programs: 

• Free Introductory Webinar - November 19, 2025
• Pre-Conference Workshop at the 17th Annual NC “One Community in Recovery” Conference - March 4, 2026
• 2-Day eCPR Practitioner Certification in Asheville: March 25 – 26, 2026, Winston-Salem: April 22-23, 2026, or Greenville: May 28-29, 2026 

2-Day eCPR Practitioner Certification

The eCPR Practitioner Certification is a 14-hour training, conducted over two consecutive days, which teaches people to be proficient in practicing eCPR. People who have completed the two-day eCPR practitioner training are proficient to perform eCPR in the community and may present introductory eCPR talks and workshops. 

This in-person training will be offered in three locations across the state: Asheville, Winston-Salem, and Greenville. Through support from the NC AHEC System, the course is offered at a reduced cost of $75 per person. Lodging is included for those who live further than 25 miles from the training location.

Please register to attend one of the three live trainings for eCPR Practitioner Certification:

Monthly Community of Practice 

July 2025 – June 2026 

Our eCPR instructor will lead discussion and answer questions via live webinar from participants who have completed the 2-day certification course. These sessions will be offered free of charge. 

Faculty: W. Reid Smithdeal, MSW, LCSW 

Reid is the Behavioral Health Assistant Director at Cherokee Indian Hospital, where he coordinates clinical services and serves on the Leadership Team, providing oversight and support to programs. He believes that services should be focused on “human need” rather than medical necessity and that “the system” often gets in the way of people recovering.  Additionally, Reid believes that the only reason we are here is to be in relationships and that the only reason for relationships is to heal. These beliefs guide his advocacy efforts around systematic change.  Reid Smithdeal received an AAS in Human Services Technology from Central Piedmont Community College, 2001; BSW from Appalachian State University, 2004; and MSW from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2007. 

Who Should Attend 

Whether you're a peer support specialist, community health worker, mental health provider, educator, or community member, this training offers practical tools to enhance emotional resilience and healing — one connection at a time. 

As part of our commitment to creating a space where all BELONG, Northwest AHEC provides education and encouragement for respectful care for all, regardless of socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability, and age. 

Provided by Northwest Area Health Education Center (AHEC), a program of Wake Forest School of Medicine and part of the NC AHEC System, in collaboration with the NC AHEC Program, Eastern AHEC, GreenTree Peer Center, and Mountain AHEC.