STUDENT AFFAIRS 10 ANNUAL REPORT Inspired by Emily’s leadership, Student Affairs led a coalition of campus partners in the fall semester to create Northern State University’s first Mental Health Week. Mental health is a vital part of our wellbeing and important for the success of our students, faculty, and staff. Two common barriers when seeking help for mental health concerns are the stigma surrounding mental health and a lack of information regarding available resources. Mental Health Week addressed both concerns with a variety of programing for all. The collaboration included: AwareWolves, Communications and Marketing, Counseling Services, Counselor Education, Dean of Students, Honors Program, Office of International Programs, Student Government Association, Student Involvement and Leadership, TRIO Student Support Services, and W.A.V.E. (Wolves for Advocacy, Volunteerism, and Engagement). Programming throughout the week on campus included: • Yoga: Lincoln Hall Gallery, 4-5 p.m. Nov. 15 • Safe Zones Training: Understanding the unique mental health needs of the LGBTQI community; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 16; Avera Student Center Maroon Room • Mental Health Resource Fair: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 17; Avera Student Center Mall • WOLFTalk: Archie Messersmith-Bunting presents “If Everyone is ‘Fine’ - What’s Wrong with Me?’; 6:30 p.m. Nov. 17; Johnson Fine Arts Center • Mindfulness Workshop: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Centennial Rooms C/D • Counseling Services Open House: 1-3 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Room 222 • Unearthing Their Voices Panel: Reflecting on the impact of the American Indian Boarding School Policy on Indigenous Communities; Centennial Rooms; 3-4 p.m. Nov. 18 • QPR - Question, Persuade, Refer Suicide Prevention Training: 5 p.m. Nov. 18; Avera Student Center Centennial Rooms C/D Meier, a history and political science major from Aberdeen, said plans also include improving the information available online about campus and community mental health care resources. A video series will also be created that interviews students about resiliency to improve campus attitudes around setbacks and show how students have overcome challenges while at NSU. “The goal with this is to show that resiliency is a skill that can be improved like any other,” she said. The events highlighted the many resources available to the community. • Counseling Services is available for students at 222 Avera Student Center or by calling 605-626-3007, M-F from 8 a.m.-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, 7 days a week. This service is free and confidential. 2-1-1 offers support for the following: substance use, suicidal thoughts, depression, relationship conflicts, stress, mental health, concerns for a loved one, isolation, and trauma. • Northeastern Mental Health Center offers a 24-hour crisis line at 605-229-1000. • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1. Northern Celebrates Mental Health Week Northern State University hosted mental health awareness events aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding mental health challenges and improving campus mental wellness. Student Emily Meier received a grant through the Bush Foundation’s Change Network program, which led to the creation of Northern Mental Health Week, Nov. 14-20, 2021. Northern Mental Health Week was 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).
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