Saturday, November 23, 2024
11/23/2024
The project aims to serve the diverse student population of the University of Puerto Rico's Rio Piedras Campus (UPRRP), which comprises approximately 11,500 graduate and undergraduate students annually. The student body is predominantly Hispanic (95%), with a significant proportion identifying as female (62%) and facing socioeconomic challenges. Over the past decade, Puerto Rico (PR) has faced numerous challenges, including natural disasters, economic downturns, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which have exacerbated mental health concerns among its population. The student population at UPRRP has been particularly affected, with events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and the suspension of student housing impacting students' well-being and sense of connection to the campus community. Data from the UPRRP counseling center is suggestive of a concerning increase in mental health issues among students, including elevated suicide risk, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and substance abuse, further highlighting the need for enhanced support services. This project will be led by the Counseling Department for Student Development (DCODE), which offers free counseling services, crisis intervention, prevention, outreach, and training to the student population on campus. Part of its aims are to address emerging trends in academia and technology, such as the surge in social media usage, tele counseling, Artificial Intelligence (AI). Updating the suicide prevention program to accommodate and take advantage of these shifts is imperative to effectively meet the student population's evolving needs. To achieve this, the project will conduct a comprehensive assessment of mental health and substance abuse disorder needs on campus that will inform the development of targeted interventions and support services. A Mental Health Risk Detection System for quantitative risk detection of suicidal behavior, mental health issues, and substance abuse among all students will be developed and implemented using a Machine Learning model. A comprehensive suicide referral and tracking system will be developed and implemented to ensure timely identification and monitoring of at-risk students. The project will strengthen the on-campus healthcare provider network by providing training in evidence-based evaluation and treatment of mental and substance abuse disorders. Off-campus healthcare provider networks will also be enhanced through relationship building and the establishment of efficient referral methods. An updated institutional Mental Health Crisis Protocol will be implemented including a directory of available mental health services and clear instructions for the campus community on reporting and referring students at risk. Comprehensive Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training will be provided to students, faculty and staff to enhance their capacity in recognizing and responding to mental health challenges and crises, and timely referral of at-risk students. Finally, the project will promote campus-wide resilience and mental health awareness through educational campaigns, workshops, seminars, and outreach events, ensuring that mental health and substance abuse disorder resources are widely disseminated and accessible to all members of the campus community.
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).
