Tuesday, February 4, 2025
2/4/2025
The project goal is to develop a system-wide infrastructure of services and support to improve identification and support of students in crisis, to prevent suicide, and to increase awareness and referrals for mental health and substance use disorders at Washington State University (WSU). WSU is a land-grant institution, serving almost 30,000 undergraduate and graduate/professional students at 6 campuses and 39 Extension sites in primarily rural areas. The project will focus on establishing a statewide team to improve collaboration and pooling of resources to positively impact the mental and emotional wellbeing and academic success of WSU students. Planned activities include enhanced data collection and service assessment, expanded programs and training, and improved communications efforts. Each WSU location has unique needs and different student body characteristics. The flagship campus is predominantly white, undergraduate students at a largely residential campus. All other campuses are primarily commuter campuses but with varying student populations. One could be considered a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Another primarily serves graduate/professional students in health professions. Across the state, 31.7% of the student body identify as Hispanic or Latino, 58.5% identify as female and 38.4% identify as first-generation college students. The student population is 73% 18 to 24 years old; 27% are 25 years plus. Veterans are 2.5% of the student population with .8% on active duty. We have 179 enrolled Native American students. In the 2020-2021 academic year, 5,057 students were Pell Grant eligible. Through direct or indirect means, we plan to serve every WSU student with this funding through development of a community that actively supports mental and emotional wellbeing. Specific action steps include: Improved early identification and referral of at-risk students through expanded training and screening. Increased communication with students, staff, faculty and families of students to address stigma, increase awareness of services, and provide self-referral options. Development of a broadly supportive campus environment through collaboration around mental and emotional health, substance use, recovery, inclusivity, and attention to fundamental needs.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).