TIPS. Peer Educators in Mental Health: Getting Involved on Your Campus. The Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Resource Center

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Darcy Collins
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1 Peer Educators in Mental Health: Getting Involved on Your Campus TIPS from The Historically Black Colleges and Universities National Resource Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Infrastructure Development

2 Techniques and Interventions for Peer Educators to Succeed Report prepared by: Gail A. Mattox, MD, FAACAP Chairperson, Dept. of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences/Cork Institute Project Director, HBCU-NRC Morehouse School of Medicine Funding for this publication was made possible by Grant Number TI from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

3 Peer Educators in Mental Health: Getting Involved on Your Campus TIPS from the HBCU-National Resource Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Infrastructure Development (HBCU-NRC) Peer Educators play an important role on college campuses. As a peer educator you have an opportunity to become involved in numerous activities and events on your campus by providing education, advocacy, mentoring and support to other students. Currently, there is a need to increase the number of Peer Educators in the area of mental health. An analysis of existing peer educator activities on HBCU campuses conducted by the HBCU-NRC revealed that more than 40 percent of the schools that responded did not have peer-to-peer education in mental health. Some Peer Educators focus primarily on substance abuse and several HBCUs have no peer educator programs or activities on their campus. Thus, there is a need to encourage HBCU students to become involved in peer education in all areas; substance abuse, suicide prevention and mental health promotion. College represents a period of transition. It can be exciting and challenging and at times stressful. Nearly half of all college students report feeling depressed or anxious at some point. Yet many students do not know where to go for help and stigma remains a barrier to treatment. As a Peer Educator, you have an opportunity to become an important member of a team, raising awareness, reducing stigma, identifying resources and encouraging utilization of existing resources. Training is important, along with a willingness to serve and a willingness to allocate time for service. Serving as a Peer Educator is a rewarding experience. In addition to helping others, you are also fostering your own development in numerous ways; interpersonal skills, listening skills and leadership skills.

4 In April 2008, the HBCU-NRC hosted the first National HBCU Peer Educators Leadership Summit on Suicide Prevention. More than 70 students were in attendance. The Summit provided education and training on suicide prevention and mental health promotion and allowed students to share ideas and experiences as Peer Educators. Skills and strategies for promoting peer education were discussed. The HBCU- NRC organized several recommendations into TIPS: Techniques and Interventions for Peer Educators to Succeed. Here are our TIPS for you. TIPS for Development as Leaders Establish credibility Set standards that others can follow Have integrity Be knowledgeable about your topic Be approachable TIPS for Dissemination of Information Reach out to all students, especially freshmen Provide information during student orientation Offer forums for discussion Utilize campus radio, TV, newsletters, bulletin boards Host dorm talks Plan events in areas where students congregate TIPS for Reducing Stigma Have prominent community persons come out and talk Share books written by prominent individuals on mental health Educate to dispel myths Develop brochures targeting young adults Have open discussions on campus Help organize workshops or conferences 1

5 TIPS for Mobilizing Resources Invite counseling service staff to student events Identify resources in your area Collaborate with mental health agencies and professionals in the community Collaborate with student organizations on campus Share ideas with campus administration Advocate for services Explore grant funding and other funding opportunities Additionally, there are many resources available to you as student advocates and peer educators. First, inquire about resources available to you through faculty, staff and administration within your institution. Consider networking opportunities with other schools and other Peer Educators. Below are additional resources to consider. Active Minds on Campus Active Minds is a nonprofit organization that supports student-run mental health awareness, education, and advocacy chapters on college campuses across the country. What a Difference This site, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is for individuals living with mental illness and their friends. You will find tools to help in the recovery process, and you can also learn about the different kinds of mental illnesses, read real-life stories about support and recovery, and interact with the video to see how friends can make all the difference. 2

6 U-lifeline This is a site with information for college mental health, and it serves as an online resource for students. Campus Health and Safety This is an online resource for higher education for students, parents, administrators and other professionals who are seeking information about creating healthier and safer living and learning environments for college and university students. Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives The site provides information on college student mental health provided by the American Psychiatric Association as an online resource for anyone seeking mental health information. Here you will find information on many common mental health concerns, including warning signs of mental disorders, treatment options and preventative measures. Suicide Prevention Resource Center This comprehensive center enhances the nation s mental health infrastructure by providing states, government agencies, colleges and universities, and others with access to the science and experience that can support their efforts to develop programs, interventions, and policies. This site also has specific information for college students. You may also contact the HBCU-NRC for additional information on substance abuse and mental health at or HBCU-NRC ( ). 3

7 HBCU-NRC Staff Gail A. Mattox, MD, FAACAP Department Chair Project Director Eugene Herrington, PhD Co-Project Director Shironda A. White Program Manager Lillie Strickland Conference Coordinator Chuline Carson Program Assistant Tabia Akintobi, PhD, MPH Lead Evaluator Morehouse School of Medicine is a historically black institution established to recruit and train minority and other students as physicians, biomedical scientists and public health professionals committed to the primary health care needs of the underserved. The HBCU-NRC, through a cooperative agreement with SAMHSA, serves as a unique resource center designed to promote strategies and opportunities in behavioral health on HBCU campuses. 4

Peer Educators. in Behavioral Health: TIPS from the. Getting Involved on Your Campus. HBCU Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health

Peer Educators. in Behavioral Health: TIPS from the. Getting Involved on Your Campus. HBCU Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health Peer Educators in Behavioral Health: Getting Involved on Your Campus TIPS from the HBCU Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health peer educators Peer educators play an important role on college campuses.