Iowa State University

Fulfilling our land grant mission of open access and serving the state of Iowa, this grant affords Iowa State University (ISU) the opportunity to strengthen efforts around suicide and substance abuse prevention. Using a public health approach, including strategies to increase capacity, build infrastructure, conduct strategic planning, and institutionalize efforts, this project will positively benefit students at ISU, the City of Ames and other institutions of higher education in Iowa. National and ISU data indicate at risk populations as veterans, LGBTQIA+, racial and ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, low-income, and first generation students, who are a focus of this project. Summarized project goals and objectives follow: Goal 1 – Increase capacity by establishing a well-coordinated suicide and substance abuseprevention infrastructure. Goal 1 Objectives – Restructure/expand the Campus Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Team; create a community-based coalition; implement a statewide prevention conference. Goal 2 – Increase number of students, faculty, and staff receiving training to respond effectively to students with mental and substance use disorders by developing a strategic, tiered training approach. Goal 2 Objectives – Develop and implement a three-tiered training infrastructure including programming and funding. Goal 3 – Increase evidence-based screening strategies to identify students with mental and substance use disorders. Goal 3 Objectives –Conduct Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for alcohol/other drug issues on campus; increase screening, assessment, and treatment of student substance use disorders; expand usage of online and anonymous screening and referral option for students. Goal 4 – Increase knowledge about available mental and substance use disorder services and resources by implementing targeted strategies that reach at risk student populations and the broader campus community. Goal 4 Objectives – Develop social marketing strategic plan; utilize student ambassadors to conduct outreach and promotion; create a searchable community provider database to increase access to referral options. Goal 5 – Increase mental health promotion, suicide, and substance use prevention FTE on campus. Goal 5 Objectives – Hire a full-time employee to serve as a dedicated Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator; secure funding for the sustainability of this position. Goal 6 – Increase institutional support by empowering students to reduce stigma associated with mental health and substance abuse issues. Goal 6 Objective – Facilitate coordination between student leaders from across the university to increase strategic partnerships within their initiatives. Given the initiatives in this project, we estimate reaching 14% or 5,000 students in year 1, 28% or 10,000 students in year 2, and 42% or 15,000 students in year 3. Over the 3 years of this project, we estimate minimally serving 30,000 students.