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Counseling Center

STAR Suicide prevention awareness and training

TRIGGER WARNING STATEMENT: This site presents information about suicide and suicide prevention.

STAR was created in 2020 by the UCC team as a prevention and awareness program to support individuals at risk for suicide and mental health concerns. STAR addresses the role of the helper and helpee in navigating difficult conversations about mental health, specifically suicide. To sign up for a STAR training, click the link below. 

Sign up for a STAR Training

WHAT IS STAR?

STAR is a suicide prevention and mental health awareness and training initiative. STAR itself is an acronym focused on both the helper and helpee (person in need of support).  Faculty, staff, students, alumnae, and family members can all benefit from learning about STAR and how to help. 

Helper                                                         Helpee

See the clues                                                                         See the clues

Talk and actively listen                                                     Talk and listen

Ask about suicide                                                                Answer the question  honestly

Refer and follow up                                                            Receive the referral

WHY STAR

STAR is a program to encourage help seeking and the provision of help for those experiencing mental health needs. The aim is to engage, support, and respond. The University Counseling Center is promoting a Community of Care and prevention messaging. We are looking to you our campus members to actively partner in identifying students in need and share existing resources.

                                                                                                    36% of students who sought UCC services in FY 22 report having considered suicide at least one time over the course of lifetime (2022).  17% of students who sought UCC services report having considered suicide within the last year (2022). Among adults across all age groups, the prevalence of serious suicidal thoughts and prevalence of suicide attempt in the past year was highest among young adults aged 18-25 (NIMH, 2020). Suicide is the third leading cause of death both for individuals 15-24 years old (NIMH.NIH.gov) and 25-34 (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 2022).  280 people decide NOT to go through with a suicide attempt for every person who dies by suicide (NAMI). 

Sign up for a star training

Join UCC for an interactive suicide prevention training. As a community member trained in STAR you will have self management tools and resources to better equip yourself when speaking with someone who is in mental distress. This training will uniquely address both the helper and the helpee regarding each role in suicide prevention intervention. This is Rockets Caring for Rockets.

January 11, 2023 

Time: 12:00- 2:00 pm
Location: Carlson Library 1005

January 31, 2023

Time:  3:00-5:00 pm
Location:  Carlson Library 1005

February 22, 2023

Time: 9:00-11:00 am
Location: Carlson Library 1005

March 23, 2023

Time: 12:00-2:00 pm
Location: Carlson Library 1005

Sign up for a STAR Training

objectives of star

  1. Raise awareness of suicide and suicide risk amongst the college student population
  2. Train campus partners in skills to manage their own emotional needs when engaging in stressful moments
  3. Use correct language about suicide
  4. Provide on and off campus supportive resources for referral and utilization
  5. Reduce the risk for suicide within our own campus population
  6. Destigmatize help seeking

What to know

Suicide is preventable. 

  • Suicide is defined as death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior.
  • A suicide attempt is a non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior. A suicide attempt might not result in injury.
  • Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.

Suicide impacts individuals of all socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, age range, ability, and geography. No one is immune to being impacted by suicide for themselves or those they know. This is a state of the human condition. Resources are available to support individuals struggling with their own mental health needs or contemplating suicide. Know what to do if you or someone you love needs help. 

                                                                               there is hope and help

Help is Available 

Click here for additional Mental Health Crisis Resources

National Suicide Prevention Hotline           988

Crisis Text Line (text HOME)                             741741

EMS                                                                             911

Counseling Center (students)                         419-530-2426

Find a Survivor Support Group Here

 ways to support star

  • Attend a STAR Training STAR Training Sign Up
  • Host a training for your class, organization, group, office, or department (min 10 required)  Request STAR
  • Promote and share STAR social media graphics and campaign information (media kit resources coming soon)
  • Become a STAR Trainer (FY 24)
  • Volunteer on a mental health UCC/Rocket Health Committee (contact Lauri.vanwormer@utoledo.edu for inquiry) 
  • Donate financially to the Counseling Center Foundation Search Account 2400922 

financial and creative Contributors

Ohio Program for Campus Safety and Mental health (OPCSMH) (2020-2022)  $10,000 

The Ohio Wellness Campus Collaborative (2022) $35,000

Toledo NAMI Chapter

UToledo Theatre Department Professor Matt Foss Creative director and visionary

STAR Founders: Dr. La Tasha Sullivan, Amanda Jones, Dr. Cassandra Haas, Alexandria Carlson, and Valerie David

 

Last Updated: 12/22/22