The Student Health and Wellness team is joining forces with Student Affairs offices across campus to strengthen health and wellbeing by hosting eight awareness campaigns this year—inviting you to get involved and take action!
Why this matters
The 2023 Campus Climate Survey found that 48.4% of students feel their health and well-being is a priority at the U. That number shows progress, but also opportunity—to ensure even more students feel supported. With record-breaking enrollment year after year, the University of Utah continues to grow as a dynamic community. That growth makes it more important than ever to raise awareness of health and wellness across campus.
What we’re doing
As part of Student Affairs’ "Adapting to Student Needs" strategic plan, one of our core initiatives is to optimize health and wellness access for students. One way we’re doing this is by expanding awareness campaigns—led by the Center for Campus Wellness. Each campaign includes events, workshops, and peer-to-peer opportunities hosted across Student Affairs offices.
The first campaign happening now is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, which aims to remind our campus community about the importance of emotional wellness and simple actions like regular check-ins can have a big impact.
Student events
Learn how to recognize the signs and risk factors for suicide and how simple actions like checking in with your friends can make a big impact.
- Encourage students to reach out and check on a friend
- Offering sample texts that students can use to check in on their loved ones
- Learn about how checking in can help prevent suicide
Catch a free ride to class on the Center for Campus Wellness golf cart! During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we're offering students a ride to class and an opportunity to learn about ways to check in, speak up, and reach out.
Join us for a free 90-minute workshop and lunch to learn about how you can make a difference for someone who is struggling with a mental health challenge. We will practice trauma-informed strategies to respond, support, and empower individuals. Seating is limited to 25 people and lunch will be provided. Register here.
Peer Well-being Ambassador, Katelyn Russell, shares why she’s taking action with this campaign in a recent blog post:
“A few months ago, I was informed that my distant family member died by suicide. Although I didn’t know him very well, his absence has deeply impacted my family. Through this loss, I learned that it is critical to check in with the people we care about and create strong connections, so people are not afraid to share when they are struggling. One thing I’ve learned through working on this campaign is that there are many ways to practice emotional wellness, and that there are resources on campus where you can get support long before something develops into a crisis.”
Campaign lineup
- August: Overdose Prevention
- September: Suicide Prevention
- October: Domestic Violence Prevention
- January: Stalking Prevention
- February: Eating Disorder Awareness
- March: National Nutrition Month
- April: Sexual Assault Prevention
- May: Mental Health Awareness
Awareness campaign events and additional health and wellness opportunities can be found here.
