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Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program Descriptions

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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (2006–2009)

Program Description:
One of the most concerning health needs on college campuses is the continuum of behaviors related to self-harm and suicidal ideation, the greatest concern being completed suicide.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) currently has in place many important components of a comprehensive suicide prevention plan. Lacking are two essential elements; a system to identify and train key individuals within the community in recognizing and responding effectively to students at risk and second, a means by which to impact a broad range of students with knowledge of mental health issues and awareness of available resources for help. To meet the need for training will adopt the QPR Institute Suicide Risk Reduction Program in order to support a comprehensive education and training program for gatekeepers within the community.

We will address the need for increased student awareness by developing and enhancing a student support network on campus. This will be accomplished through ongoing identification and training of students who are well connected on campus and perceived by others as helpers. Training will be conducted in a series of five weekly meetings covering key knowledge, skill and resource awareness components. After completing the training series students will be certified as peer advocates and will be encouraged to continue involvement in the student support network by participating in activities aimed at improving mental health and increasing help seeking.

A comprehensive approach to supporting at risk students can only reach its potential in the context of an entire community of individuals at all levels committed to the well being of each and every member. The WPI Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC) will coordinate a campus based approach involving all levels of the community in efforts to recognize and respond effectively to students in distress. We believe our comprehensive mental health awareness and suicide prevention program will serve as a model for small to medium sized campuses throughout the nation.

Massachusetts State Page

Contact Information:
Charles C. Morse
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
157 West Street
Worcester, MA 01609
Email: cmorse@WPI.EDU

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