CUMU Conference 2019

Historically underserved communities experience a higher prevalence of psychological distress and face obstacles to accessing behavioral health services. Because a majority of students at Cal State LA come from such communities, the university is committed to meet the critical needs of its students—and their communities—through an initiative led by the Cal State LA president. Mind Matters has been in existence for six years and is unique in its scope and reach. All incoming students learn about the initiative during orientation. In addition, more than 700 faculty, staff, and students have been trained in Mental Health First Aid, an eight-hour course designed to help them assist those experiencing psychological problems. Because approximately 65% of our students are the first in their families to attend college, helping parents learn how to support their college students is of paramount importance. Parents are invited to a special orientation and weekend workshops throughout the year. This year Cal State LA offered Mental Health First Aid to parents, in both Spanish and English. The initial offering was met with enthusiasm, particularly among Spanish-speaking parents, as the importance of well-being was a new concept. Because nearly 70% of our students remain in Los Angeles after they graduate, the university is dedicated to developing a culture of care among its students, staff, faculty, and the surrounding community. Participants will learn how to develop a comprehensive initiative that includes parents and students to help create a culture of well-being in their universities and the communities they serve.