Imagine this: Five college students are in a room. One of them probably has a mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Add seven more students. Chances are, one of the 12 has a plan to die by suicide.
That’s not acceptable, said Missouri State University’s Dr. Thomas Lane.
“The statistics demand action,” said Lane, associate vice president for student life and dean of students. “Mental health issues can impact a student’s ability to succeed, and can be deadly.
“We need to better understand this critical concern and reduce the reluctance to talk about it.”
A spring conference at Missouri State will tackle that data and advance the conversation about student mental health.
About the conference
The Impact Summit: College Student Mental Health Conference is set for May 2, at Plaster Student Union. Registration opens Feb. 16 and is limited to the first 300 attendees.
The early bird rate is $49 by April 2. The rate is $80 after that date.
Students, medical professionals and college personnel can register to make a difference for college students’ mental health:
- Better understand important issues and concerns.
- Learn more about best and innovative practices, strategies and research.
- Connect with others who are interested in the topic.
- Create awareness of statewide, local, national and campus resources.
About the keynotes
- Kevin Hines is an award-winning storyteller. He reaches audiences with his story of an unlikely survival and his strong will to live.
- Alison Malmon is the founder and executive director of Active Minds, Inc. It’s one of the top national organizations that empowers students to change the story about mental health on college campuses.
- Mike Veny is a leading mental health speaker. He’s committed to wellness, suicide prevention and helping people work together more smoothly.
For more information, contact Lane at 417-836-5527.
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