UNG's Mental Health Initiative

The University System of Georgia (USG) Mental Health Initiative is backed by $11.5 million in Governor's Emergency Education Relief funding for the system's 26 institutions. At UNG the initiative consists of:

Institutional Highlights
JED campus project and recommendations are 95% complete

Implemented Stepped Care model in Fall 2022 that has had several positive impacts including reduced wait times for Student Counseling and increases in crisis appointment availability

Held Town Hall on Mental Health called Sparking the Conversation

Launched the Stay Safe webpage

Received grant from Aetna to expand Mental Health First Aid to expand certified instructors at UNG and to be able to expand training opportunities to more than 600 health care providers in the region.

In partnership with Resilient GA and Wellroot, by way of United Way of Hall County, UNG will be able to expand training opportunities to UNG students, faculty, and staff.

Expanded certified Peer Health Educators to 25

Expanded Fresh Check Day & Refresh Day (well-being resource fairs)

Facilitated new Group Therapy options

Promoted Headspace & Togetherall

Mental Health First Aid

This program teaches how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Training provides skills needed to reach out and provide initial help and support to anyone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

Certified trainers.

250+

Staff members trained.

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR)

People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying "Yes" to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor.

Faculty

Staff

Students

Certified Peer Education

Certified Peer Educator (CPE) Training helps students develop leadership skills. Student will gain skills in helping peers make a behavior change, active listening, response and referral skills, how to take action and intervene, recognizing the role of diversity and inclusivity, programming and presentation skills, self-care, and group dynamics. Additionally, after certification, student will be equipped to successfully create and implement campus programs.

Certified peer educators.

JED Foundation Campus Project

This is a four-year partnership that allows our university to enhance the work that we are already doing. It will also foster positive change on our campuses and in our communities. JED Campus has worked with nearly 350 institutions, representing over 4.5 million students.

Spring 2021 – Completed the initial self-survey of approximately 306 questions and received 79 suggested action items.
Spring 2022 – JED project and recommendations were 52% complete
Spring 2023 – JED project and recommendations were 95% complete