STUDENT AFFAIRS 14 ANNUAL REPORT which began in 2004. These events give people the courage to open up about their own connections to the cause and a platform to create a culture that’s smarter about mental health. Friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers walk side by side, supporting each other and in memory of those we’ve lost. Suicide is a deeply impactful issue facing our communities, especially for college-age students. Northern Celebrates 3rd Annual Mental Wellness Week Northern State University hosted our third annual Mental Wellness Week Oct. 23-27, 2023, with events aimed at reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental healthcare, to educate the community on available resources, and to improve campus mental wellness. Under the leadership of Becky Kuch, director of health and counseling services, and Christina Shillman, personal counselor, Student Affairs led a coalition of campus partners to host this important week of events. New events this year included acupuncture with Megan Pierson of Healing Points, art therapy with Becky Schuldt, Self Defense 101 with Officer Eric Paul, Zumba with Aberdeen Family YMCA, Color Your Stress Away with Campus Activities Board, Restorative Yoga with Aimee Roy, Sleep for Success with TRIO SSS and Prevention Services, financial wellness with Joe Siebert of Baseline Financial Solutions, yoga nidra with Candace Briscoe of Fit and Fire Studios, and Eating for Wellness with Dining Services. A few fan favorites returned again this year including the Mental Wellness Resource Fair, Shrink Rap The Podcast, QPR Training with Counseling Services, and Singing Bowls with Natasha Jorgenson of Vibrant Life. The events highlighted the many resources available to the community. • Counseling Services is available for students at Suite 222, Student Center, or by calling 605-626-3007, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Employees may receive free support through the Employee Assistance Program by calling 800-713-6288. • You can also call 2-1-1 for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 is America’s most comprehensive source of information for local resources and services. • Northeastern Mental Health Center (NEMHC) offers a 24-hour crisis line at 605-229-1000. • Call or text 988 for mental health emergencies. • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. The impetus for this awareness week was inspired by student leader Emily Meier, a political science major from Aberdeen, who received a grant through the Bush Foundation’s Change Network program in 2021. The first Mental Health Week was held Nov. 14-20, 2021. Northern’s Mental Wellness Week is part of Key Result 72, “Create a marketing campaign and educational programing to decrease the stigma associated with seeking behavioral health care,” from the Student Affairs Strategic Plan (2021-2025). Supporting Student Mental Health with 988 and You Are Not Alone Campaigns Originally launched in the fall of 2022, Student Affairs continued to promote 988 and the You Are Not Alone Campaign throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. 988 is the new 911 for mental health emergencies. The awareness campaign for 988 included social media posts, emails, and posters around campus. Students learned that they may call or text for support with a mental health emergency, for themselves or for a friend. This service is free, private, and available across the country. All members of the Northern community – students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends – are encouraged to use this service as needed.
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