Thursday, November 21, 2024
11/21/2024
UNCO HEART Initiative Abstract The HEART Initiative at the University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) was designed to address gaps in mental health and suicide prevention support on campus and in the local community. The need for the HEART Initiative is great in Colorado where the age-adjusted suicide rate is 8 points higher than the National rate of 13.48 per 100,000, at a rate of 21.53 [CDC, 2023]. The University’s National College Health Assessment data show that 32.1% of UNCO students screened positive for suicide in 2023. In addition to being a Hispanic Serving Institution, UNCO is comprised of rural students, first-generation students, LGBTQAI+, veterans, and many marginalized at-risk students who often find it easier to drop out than to address the stigma associated with thoughts of suicide. In the face of this changing landscape around mental health, and an increase in local and regional suicide deaths, the HEART Initiative sets a foundation for care through: Health Infrastructure, Education, Awareness, Reslience, and Treatment. HEART provides training for gatekeepers, clinicians, and students many of whom will go on to work in Education, Healthcare, Law Enforcement, Therapy, and other Health and Human Service spaces where trust empowers positive conversations that hold potential to save lives. Suicide prevention is everyone's business and is an important part of embracing the overall well-being of students related to documented increased rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and social isolation. The College of Education and Behavioral Science in collaboration with the Cesar Chavez Center and the Office of Student Wellbeing have identified gaps in student support and awareness around this subject and have worked together to write a proposal to grow a healthy HEART culture at UNCO.
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).
