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 Mental Health First Aid, Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR), Certified Peer Education, Kognito, NIGEL Cares and JED Campus.

Events

Feb 6

Mental Health First Aid

Mar 24

Mental Health First Aid 03/24/23 and 03/31/23

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.

Staff members trained.

Students 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

Nigel Cares

Complementing the work of UNG's Student Counseling Services, with Nigel Cares all UNG students have access to:

24/7/365 mental health support line for in-the-moment support and linkages to next steps.
Up to five sessions of telehealth or in-person treatment sessions per issue provided at no cost by a network of licensed mental health clinicians.
Virtual psychiatric clinics to offer assessment and medication management.
Personal student navigators to assist with referral coordination and support.
An online training and education tool designed exclusively for students.
The Nigel Cares website, app and online wellness magazine with self-help tools and resources.

Points of Pride

Over 50 students have utilized the Nigel Cares support line.

Our tele-psychiatry services has assisted over 50 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.

Kognito

An interactive simulation that meets students where they are and uses evidence-based practices. The program is designed to engage non-drinkers, light to moderate drinkers and frequent drinkers with customized messaging. Prevention methods used include social norming, bystander skills and values and goal setting.

Students completed the module.

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.

At UNG we have:

Completed the initial self-survey of approximately 306 questions.
JED evaluated the self-survey and provided a strategic plan of 79 suggested action items.
- 34 completed
- 7 completed, but need documentation
- 21 current projects for calendar year 2022
- 17 items will be considered in 2023 or are a state level decision
As of March 2022, the project is 51.9% complete.

Establishing Connection...

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