Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

In response to the growing issues related to depression and substance abuse, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will enhance existing programs and add several novel approaches, which will benefit the target population. Rensselaer has designed a program to develop training programs for students and campus personnel, create an on-campus network, develop and implement educational seminars, promote linkage to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, prepare informational material and prepare educational material for families. It is expected that the evaluation will show that Rensselaer students will experience fewer mental and behavioral health problems each year that the comprehensive program exists.

Two key items are an institutional assessment and the need to develop a Crisis Response Plan. The Jed Foundation was contacted and they, along with consultant Dr. Mort Silverman, will perform the assessment. It is hoped that the assessment report, along with the evaluation efforts of this project, will allow Rensselaer to create an innovative new strategy for suicide prevention. Additionally Rensselaer will create, disseminate, and then practice a Crisis Response Plan.

Additionally, we plan to enhance existing services and improve access to care by contracting with a psychiatrist one day a week. Finally, this project will allow Rensselaer to fully take advantage of the data that is gathered, by expanding the analysis to focus specifically on depression and academic success.