Oct. 24, 2024

Contact Justin McKnight at 608-796-3808 or jsmcknight@viterbo.edu

VITERBO UNIVERSITY RECEIVES $300,000 SUICIDE PREVENTION GRANT

LA CROSSE, Wis. – Viterbo University has been awarded a three-year, $300,000 Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Garrett Lee Smith Suicide Prevention Grant is designed to assist colleges and universities in enhancing mental health services for all college students, including those at risk for suicide, depression, serious mental illness, and/or substance use disorders that can lead to academic challenges. The program also seeks to help colleges identify students who are at risk for suicide and suicide attempts, increase protective factors that promote mental health, reduce risk factors for suicide, and ultimately reduce suicide attempts and deaths.

Viterbo University was the only college or university in Wisconsin to receive a grant. Thirty were awarded nationally.

“We will use the grant to strengthen our capacity for referrals to Mayo Clinic Health System, Emplify Health, and other community providers that offer services beyond what we can provide on campus,” said Justin McKnight, director of counseling services at Viterbo University. “Funds will also be used to offer targeted support and outreach initiatives to a variety of specific student populations on campus including student-athletes, first-year students, BIPOC students, and military-aligned students.”

SAMHSA is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to lead public health and service delivery efforts that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring equitable access and better outcomes.

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