Oakland University

The Oakland University Campus Suicide Prevention Program (GRASP — Grizzlies Response: Awareness and Suicide Prevention) is a comprehensive multi-dimensional program encompassing both the University and the Southeast Michigan community. Oakland University is a growing University serving a student population of over 19,000 students. The majority of our student population is commuter students balancing multiple tasks such as work, family, and classes. GRASP coordinates the activities of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Department of Counseling, School of Health Sciences, Social Work program and the Department of Teacher Development and Educational Studies.

The program approaches suicide prevention using knowledge, awareness, and skill development with three levels of training and education. At Level 1, educational workshops modeled on Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk (AMSR): Core Competencies for Mental Health Professionals will be offered to key gatekeepers in the OU community to develop a critical mass of advocates for suicide prevention and mental health promotion. At level 2, tailored and modifiable training workshops will be developed to meet a diverse range of suicide prevention needs across the OU community, including residents, commuters, undergraduate students, graduate students, GLBT community, military families, veterans, American Indians/Alaska Natives. Level 3 activities will include the development and adaptation of informational materials and suicide awareness presentations that connect to the virtual learning center with further opportunities to participate in gatekeeper training (level 2 learning activities).

The goal of the grant is to train over 20% of the campus community as well as key stakeholders. In addition, this proposal aims to increase awareness of suicide prevention campus wide. GRASP includes regular needs assessments to develop targeted educational training, print and social media. The implementation and evaluation of evidence-based practices is integrated throughout the grant with the goal of institutionalizing these prevention programs for the long-term.