Nazareth University is taking significant steps to enhance its student wellness initiatives by launching a new mental health initiative in collaboration with the JED Foundation’s JED Campus program. This partnership aims to establish best practices for promoting optimal mental and emotional wellness among students.
Background of the Initiative
The JED Foundation, established in memory of a couple’s son who tragically lost his life to suicide, focuses on equipping colleges and universities with the necessary tools and resources for effective suicide prevention. According to John Rigney, the assistant director of outreach at Nazareth’s Health and Counseling Center, this initiative is pivotal in ensuring that educational institutions prioritize student mental health.
Four-Year Partnership with JED Foundation
The collaboration with the JED Foundation will span four years, serving as a comprehensive framework for mental health support programming at Nazareth. This partnership also ensures accountability in the university’s approach to mental health, aligning with national best practices. The initiative is further supported by a generous grant of $300,000 awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
A Preventative Approach
The overarching goal of this initiative is to adopt a preventative approach to mental health. Kim Harvey, associate provost and dean of students, emphasizes the importance of equipping students with tools and resources to prevent them from reaching crisis situations. This proactive strategy aims to foster resilience and emotional well-being among students.
Existing Programming and Workshops
Nazareth University has already implemented several programs aimed at promoting mental health. Among these is Morgan’s Message, a peer-led initiative designed for student athletes, and various skill-building workshops. One notable program is the Anxiety Toolbox, a three-session workshop that helps students identify stressors and develop coping strategies.
Another critical component of Nazareth’s programming is the QPR training, which stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. This workshop equips faculty and staff with the knowledge to identify signs of distress or suicidal ideation in students. Rigney clarifies that while faculty and staff are not expected to act as therapists, the training is analogous to CPR in that it prepares them to respond effectively in critical situations.
Importance of Preventative Measures
Establishing a robust set of preventative measures is essential for creating a supportive campus environment. Rigney notes that proactive strategies are far more effective in ensuring student success than reactive measures implemented after a crisis has occurred. By integrating these initiatives into the campus culture, Nazareth University is positioning itself to better support its students’ mental health and emotional well-being.
Conclusion
With the launch of the JED Campus program and the commitment to mental health awareness, Nazareth University is taking vital steps to enhance the support it provides to students. By focusing on prevention and equipping the campus community with essential tools, the university aims to foster a healthier, more supportive environment for all its students.
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