Join The Cause: SUU’s Mental Health Initiative Needs Your Support Today

As mental health challenges rise among college students, Southern Utah University (SUU) is ramping up efforts to provide critical support, thanks to a challenge grant from the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation. Early in 2024, the Foundation pledged an $850,000 matching grant to aid SUU's mental health initiatives, contingent on the university raising equivalent funds by the end of the year.

With the Dec. 31 deadline fast approaching, SUU is urging the community to help meet this goal. Contributions, whether from individuals or organizations, can be made via the challenge’s official website.

“Accessible mental health resources are crucial, and we want every student to have access to quality mental health care,” SUU President Mindy Benson said in a press release. The university has already invested in additional licensed mental health counselors, but the need remains significant.

SUU has identified a $1.7 million funding requirement for vital resources, including psychological and educational assessments, emergency kits for intimate partner violence situations, and enhanced suicide prevention training. Additional funds would also support biofeedback kits and virtual counseling, allowing counselors to serve more students and providing the broader SUU community with a safe, supportive environment.

Vice President for Student Affairs, Jared Tippets, highlights the urgent need, saying, “Emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide are part of my daily conversations with students.” With pressures from coursework, jobs, caregiving responsibilities, and financial strains, many students are struggling to cope. Expanding mental health resources could offer a lifeline, helping students manage their challenges and stay focused on academic success.

Accessible mental health care is not only critical for students' well-being but also essential for academic and social success. By addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, and emotional stress, students can better coexist with their peers, form supportive relationships, and foster a healthy balance in their daily lives.

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“We hope to inspire the community to join us in this important endeavor,” Benson added. “Together, we can make a significant difference in the mental well-being of SUU’s students.”