New benches are located outside the Clemente Center
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, Fla. – A parent-led initiative at Florida Tech has spent months reminding people how important it is to talk about mental health.
Well, three new benches on campus might start that conversation. According to the American College Health Association, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and young adults ages 18 to 24.
Deborah Carson, a member of Florida Tech's Parent Leadership Council (PLC), brought the You Matter initiative to campus after a teenager she knew took his own life.
The initiative, created in honor of this teenage boy, aims to save lives from suicide by creating conversations, sharing resources and spreading kindness.
“We know that students are under pressure among academics, some of whom have moved all over the world, to attend this school,” Carson said.
Carson's main goal was to raise enough money to install two benches on campus inscribed with the message “You Matter” and 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. PLC exceeded its goal and raised enough money for three people.
“These benches represent a form of hope for me as a parent, that not only my child, but each child and person who walks on this campus, matters to someone and to this world. It's a reminder of that,” Carson said. .
Florida Tech's campaign began last fall by distributing magnets and stickers to students to spread awareness about the 988 Crisis Line. The service will be available nationwide in July 2022 to all landline and mobile phone users through calls, chats and texts, providing immediate support and resources to people in crisis. can be connected to.
“There are a lot of students who didn't know about the option of taking advantage of the new 988 short code, so it's really exciting to bring it to them and raise awareness,” said David McMahan, vice president for student affairs. I did.
The new benches are located outside the Clemente Center, Student Success Center and Catanese National Team Training Center. Carson said feedback after installation was largely positive, but some people wondered how useful the benches would actually be.
“Benches may not save lives, but they may save resources. It's a conversation between people who understand that it's really, really important,” Carson said of the information engraved on each bench. .
You Matter is just one part of a larger network of support for Florida Tech students. Last year, the university partnered with TalkCampus, an app that connects students with other students around the world seeking peer support. For students in crisis, the conversation is escalated to a master's level clinician. This program is available to him 24/7.
Last December, Florida Tech also introduced EdSightS, a platform that regularly checks in with students through text. It asks questions about academics, finances, health and emotional support, which McMahan said allows the university to stay connected and understand who is in need.
The University's Student Counseling Center offers a variety of free and confidential mental health and wellness services to help students successfully achieve their goals.
As the You Matter initiative moves forward, Carson hopes to see awareness and conversation within students move forward. Expect more activities and possible student representation at his upcoming PLC meetings.
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