News Summary
In a significant move for mental health awareness, Augusta University is launching programs for National Suicide Prevention Month. Initiatives like ‘Hands of Hope’ highlight the university’s dedication to student wellbeing, coinciding with the 9/11 anniversary. With suicide as the second-leading cause of death among young people in Georgia, the university emphasizes the importance of community support. Furthermore, the recent CSRA College Night showcased over 100 colleges, helping students prepare for higher education while addressing mental health resources.
Augusta, GA – In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, Augusta University has initiated several programs aimed at enhancing mental health support for students while also addressing educational opportunities. Events such as the creation of “Hands of Hope,” where students crafted symbolic handprints to raise awareness for those grappling with thoughts of self-harm, underline the university’s commitment to student wellbeing. This initiative coincided with the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, serving as a reminder of the importance of community support in difficult times.
The significance of providing emotional support is not lost on the institution. The Director of Student Wellbeing at Augusta University highlighted the necessity of such events, emphasizing that everyone can play a role in offering guidance to friends or colleagues who may be struggling. For immediate help, individuals are encouraged to seek support 24/7 via the crisis hotline at 988. This is part of a broader movement to raise awareness about mental health issues facing young people today, where suicide remains the second-leading cause of death among individuals aged 18 to 24 in Georgia.
On September 14th, coinciding with the focus on mental health, the CSRA College Night was held at the local Convention Center. The event featured over 100 colleges and universities, making it a substantial opportunity for students preparing for higher education. High school recruits met with representatives from various educational institutions, military branches, and professional societies. The event also included seminars on financial literacy and employment opportunities, aiding students in their transition from high school to college.
Among the attendees was Khriztian Caoderon, a student from a Richmond County technical career magnet school. He expressed a mix of excitement and anxiety regarding his future college experience, particularly focusing on the distance of the college from home as a primary concern. In response to the challenges facing potential college students, recruiters from Augusta University have been incentivizing local attendance to highlight the quality education available in the Central Savannah River Area.
The Assistant Director for Scholars Recruitment at Augusta University spoke to the importance of making higher education accessible and locally attainable. National statistics reveal a concerning trend, with a 15% drop in college enrollment reported from 2010 to 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Nonetheless, Augusta University and USCA have marked their highest admissions rates despite this downward trend, signaling a growing interest in local colleges. Factors contributing to this include community growth, as noted by the Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at USCA.
Efforts to bolster mental health resources continue with initiatives like the placement of decals featuring the 988 crisis hotline number in dorm rooms, student activity centers, and health centers across Georgia’s public colleges. This collaborative effort between Georgia’s mental health agency and the University System of Georgia is designed to reach around 200,000 students, aiming to make mental health resources more accessible and visible. Additionally, wallet cards with the 988 hotline will be specifically distributed to faculty, staff, and students, further promoting awareness and support.
Since the inception of CSRA College Night in 1993, over $400,000 has been awarded in scholarships to assist local students in their educational journeys. This longstanding program continues to create pathways for students and reveals a determined effort by Augusta University and its partners to not only support mental health initiatives but also to provide substantial educational opportunities in the region.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augusta University Students Craft “Hands of Hope” for Suicide Prevention
- Wikipedia: Suicide Prevention
- WRDW: CSRA College Night Returns with Scholarships, Guidance, and More
- Google Search: Mental Health Resources
- JC News: Work Continues on Suicide Prevention
- Google Scholar: Mental Health Awareness
- Augusta Chronicle: Georgia Officials to Launch Student Suicide Prevention Measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health Awareness
- WJBF: The VA in Augusta Offers Resources to Prevent Veteran Suicide
- Google News: Suicide Prevention
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
