Editor’s Note: This article includes mentions of suicide. If you are struggling with your mental health, the University Counseling Center can be reached at (615) 322-2571 or through their Crisis Line Text by texting VANDY to 741741.
Vanderbilt’s Student Care Network partnered with the Question, Persuade, Refer Institute to host events and trainings throughout September for Suicide Prevention Month. This partnership brought greater awareness of suicide prevention to Vanderbilt’s campus and encouraged students to contribute to suicide prevention.
QPR trains individuals to recognize the warning signs of suicide and how to respond safely. Together with the Student Care Network, QPR hosted training sessions that informed participants of critical lifesaving knowledge that may be needed in mental health emergencies. Vanderbilt’s suicide prevention awareness goal – which is stated on its website – is to connect individuals with resources and help them reflect on the sense of community around them.
“By learning how to ask, listen and connect others to resources, everyone contributes to a safer, more compassionate Vanderbilt,” a Student Care Network representative said in a message to The Hustler. “This empowers the Vanderbilt community to act with confidence, helping ensure that anyone struggling feels seen, supported and valued.”
In a message to The Hustler, sophomore Quinn Fitzpatrick said she appreciated the university’s partnership with QPR. She is thankful for the various resources provided for students on campus and said she believes they represent how much Vanderbilt cares about its students.
“It is important for the administration to acknowledge the struggles that students can go through,” Fitzpatrick said. “It lets us know that there is a support system on campus that students can access.”
One major initiative for the month was a Student Care Network hosted tabling event. Staff members gave out free resources to students, including Suicide Awareness Ribbons and Emergency Contact Cards with campus resources. Students were encouraged to state a simple pledge: “I pledge to stand against silence, spread hope and support those who struggle.”
In a message to The Hustler, the Student Care Network emphasized the importance of community in creating a safe and understanding environment at Vanderbilt that actively participates in suicide prevention.
“We all share the responsibility of a safe environment, and asking important questions fosters that environment,” the Student Care Network said.
The Student Care Network urges anyone noticing a student struggling to submit a Student of Concern outreach form to connect them with helpful resources. There are also additional resources on its website.
