Southern Illinois University (SIU) is implementing a new program aimed at enhancing mental health support during emergency situations. Funded by a $290,000 grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, this initiative provides access to trained mental health responders during emergency calls. The program’s goal is to de-escalate situations, improve outcomes, and support students in crisis.
The collaborative response team includes members from SIU’s Department of Public Safety (DPS), Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), clinicians, campus administrators, and local community health professionals. This team will respond to mental health-related emergencies instead of relying solely on traditional police methods. Jaime Clark, director of Student Health Services, highlighted that this program is one of the first of its kind in the nation and aims to connect individuals in crisis with timely mental health interventions.
In the past year, SIU’s DPS recorded 49 incidents related to mental health. Following these events, campus health officials sought ways to improve responses. Concerns emerged from students about police involvement in mental health crises, especially among marginalized communities who may distrust law enforcement. To address these issues, the response model was developed based on best practices that focus on immediate support and proper treatment.
As part of the program, DPS dispatchers will receive specialized training to identify and manage calls involving mental health issues. When such a call comes in, dispatchers will alert the response team, ensuring that mental health professionals are available to assist in a safe and effective manner. This approach aims to reduce the stigma attached to seeking help and improve access for students hesitant to utilize available resources.
The training for crisis counselors includes topics such as symptoms of mental illnesses and de-escalation techniques. As a result, when responders arrive on the scene, they can provide appropriate interventions that may prevent hospitalizations and promote continuity of care for individuals in distress.
The initiative aims to create an environment where students, faculty, and staff can receive support without fear of negative repercussions for their mental health needs. Ridgeway, the assistant director of Student Health Services, emphasized that the program will help individuals access the care they require, ensuring they receive follow-up support and resources from both campus and community services.
This program is part of SIU’s larger commitment to student health, offering a wide range of services that include medical care, counseling, and wellness programs. As SIU continues to develop and implement these initiatives, it hopes to set a standard for other universities in the country, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing mental health in educational environments.
