TTUHSC and Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative to present summit

May 9—According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 12 to 24, with incidents increasing 52% between 2000 and 2021. The National Institutes of Health also stated that among young adults, more than 40% of those aged 18 to 25 with mental illnesses do not have access to mental health care.

To help address these issues, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center will collaborate with the Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative to present the Texas Higher Education Suicide Prevention Spring Summit 8 a.m. to noon May 14.

The free event will be virtual.

"The goal of this summit is for college campus administrators from across Texas to develop relationships to help navigate implementing mental health services and other supports for students experiencing mental health challenges during their college careers," Nancy Treviño, TTUHSC Department of Psychiatry and director of the Texas Tech Mental Health Institute, said in a news release.

Presentations will include:

— "Eight Dimensions of Wellness," Logan Winkleman, TTUHSC School of Health Professions director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling

— "Higher Education Policy/Panel Discussion," Hannah Vasquez, Texas Suicide Prevention Collaborative Policy Fellow; Alan Korinek, Ph.D., and Kristie Collins from Program of Assistance for Students and Employee Assistance Program

— "Intervention Approaches in Higher Education," David B. Goldston, child and family psychologist, professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Services and professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Duke Health

"Although they are not the target audience, college students and parents also may attend the summit," Treviño said. "Our hope is this summit will provide a better understanding of policies and resources college campuses are required to offer."