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Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program Descriptions

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University of Massachusetts - Amherst  (2006–2009 & 2009–2012)

Program Description:

The project will target the entire student population of 25,000+ students. The goals are to: (1) expand the number of key constituencies, on and off campus, trained as gatekeepers and educated about suicide prevention; (2) develop culturally responsive materials; (3)  use environmental strategies to reduce stigma associated with help seeking behavior for mental health issues; (4) and institutionalize suicide prevention efforts. The project will expand the number of key students and staff trained as gatekeepers. Project staff will continue to offer the Campus Connect gatekeeper training developed at Syracuse University and offer educational opportunities. Other major areas of focus will be to develop additional methods of disseminating knowledge about suicide prevention through online training, educational seminars, culturally responsive materials, and to use environmental strategies to reduce stigma associated with help seeking behavior for mental health issues. Efforts will also focus on institutionalizing suicide prevention across the campus.

Planned outcomes include: (1) enhanced basic suicide prevention and intervention skills across campus and off-campus constituencies promoting early recognition and intervention; (2) standardized and culturally responsive intervention and referral protocols and educational materials; (3) reduced stigma associated with help-seeking behavior; and (4) suicide prevention efforts that are institutionalized on campus and in the local community to support sustainability.

Contact Information:
Harry Rockland-Miller, PhD
Director
Mental Health Services
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
150 Infirmary Way
Amherst, MA 01003-9288
Tel: 413-545-0269
Email: rockmill@uhs.umass.edu

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