Rates of depression and mental health issues for college students have been on the rise nationally. To respond to this concern, Connecticut College applied for and, along with 53 other colleges and universities, was awarded a three-year federal Campus Suicide Prevention Grant by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).  The goals of the $225,000 grant are to raise awareness among students, faculty and staff about depression, suicide and other mental health issues that affect college students and to implement measures that will enhance mental health and lessen the possiblity of suicide at the college.  With the grant funding the Student Counseling Services clincial staff has been able to offer to Connecticut College students, faculty and staff workshops to learn about suicide prevention:  recogonizing signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, communicating their concerns to that person and how to refer the person in distresss for professional help.  The grant is funded through September 2009.  The college has applied for a three year extension of the grant.

The National Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaigne was created by Grey Worldwide through the Ad Council with the aim of helping young people to reach out to and support friends with mental health issues.   Their web site (see the link below) features print advertising, and television and radio spots that illustrate how friendship os critical to recovery.

If you have any questions about the Campus Suicide Prevention Grant or about the Student Counseling Services, contact the Director, Janet Dee Spoltore, Ph.D.., ABPP, at (860) 439-4587.

LINKS

The National Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaign:  http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov

Ulifeline:  http://www.ulifeline.com

Suicide Help Lines 1-(800) 273-TALK (8255) or :   http://www.suicide-helplines.org

The Jed Foundation: http://www.jedfoundation.org/

American Association of Suicidology: http://www.suicidology.org/

Last Modified: Friday, April 03, 2009 13:30