Humboldt State University awarded grant for suicide prevention

Arcata, Ca., (KIEM)- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association has awarded at $30,000 grant to Humboldt State University, investing in suicide prevention. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students across the country. In Humboldt County, things like food insecurity, a lack of access to healthcare, and even homelessness are all stressors. According to a recent survey, 4% of HSU students say they have attempted to end their own lives. That’s 3% more than the national average.

With the grant money, the University plans to raise awareness on campus, hire a suicide prevention specialist, and expand existing survives.

“We must act urgently and tirelessly to improve our campus-wide safety net and empower all of us with the tools to identify and help students in need systematically increase key protective factors like student’s sense of connectedness and hope, and – doubly critical in our under served community- improve access to more health and counselling staff.” Student Health and Wellbeing Services Director Brian Mistler says.

Help is always available, 24-hours a day, via the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

If you are a student considering suicide visit this link: http://counseling.humboldt.edu/suicide-prevention

 

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