Vandal Health Education is aware that given the impact of COVID-19, this is a particularly challenging time for many in the campus community. Students in formal and informal leadership roles across campus can have a powerful impact on the wellbeing of those around them.
Mental health issues often first appear between the ages of 18 and 24 and can greatly affect academic performance and personal wellbeing. Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among college and university students in the United States, according to a study called “Causes of Mortality Rates Among College Students.” Nationally, suicide rates are on the rise and Idaho is in what is being call the “suicide belt” – a collection of western states where the suicide rate is particularly high when compared to the national average.
In the United States, 1 in 4 college age students reports negative academic consequences associated with alcohol use including: missing class, falling behind and poor performance on exams or papers, resulting in overall lower grades, according to College Drinking – Changing the Culture. In addition to alcohol misuse having an impact on academic performance, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, each year about 97,000 students in the United States between the ages of 18 and 24 report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault.
One of the most important elements of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and alcohol harm reduction is the promotion of strong social networks and feelings of connectedness. Vandal Health Education is seeking students from across campus to participate in the Wellbeing Ambassador Program. In this program, students will receive specialized training to help them leverage their voice to cultivate positive community relationships during their time at UI and beyond.
Potential wellbeing ambassadors are invited to attend a powerful and engaging 6-hour peer-to-peer education program called “Sources of Strength.” Training will take place virtually on Saturday, Oct. 24 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants can then choose one of three tracks to pursue for the remainder of Fall 2020 and into Spring 2021: resiliency and suicide prevention, alcohol harm reduction or Vandals for Recovery.
Wellbeing Ambassadors will lead out in the UI campus community by being healthy role models, co-facilitating programs for peer groups, collaborating with mentors and peers as well as developing and distributing awareness and norming campaigns. Through these combined efforts, wellbeing ambassadors will help create real and lasting change within the Vandal family.
To nominate a potential wellbeing ambassador or register to become one, please go to uidaho.edu/wellbeingambassadors. Faculty, staff and students should nominate students by Thursday, Oct. 15. The registration deadline for students is Thursday, Oct. 22. If you have any questions, reach out to Vandal Health Education at [email protected].
-Erin Bacon