The Mental Health Ambassadors, a student-led initiative, aims to raise awareness about mental health resources, combat stigma, and teach students how to support their peers.
Reagan Griffin, a senior majoring in social work, has been with the program for three and a half years. She joined to pursue her passion for destigmatizing mental health issues and to connect with fellow students.
“This role has allowed me to advocate for myself and others who have experienced mental health struggles,” Griffin explained. “It’s a platform to connect with the student body and address the stigma around mental health.”
Christy Sigmon, a Mental Health Ambassador supervisor and Outreach and Resiliency Specialist at Prevention Services, highlighted the program’s goal: ensuring students feel informed and comfortable accessing mental health resources.
“Our aim is for students to recognize that seeking support is both necessary and acceptable,” Sigmon said. “We want them to understand how to access help and where to find it.”
Students can seek support through the CARES referral process. They can submit a referral online if they are concerned about someone or need help themselves.
Following a referral, Prevention Services deploys a team of certified mental health professionals and social workers to assist students based on their needs.
The Mental Health Ambassadors ensure students are aware of available resources and help to normalize the referral process, making it clear that any concerning behavior can be reported.
Lilly Kirn, a junior studying psychology and a second-year mental health ambassador, described the varied roles of ambassadors in the CARES process.
“Ambassadors might refer a friend struggling with academics or financial issues,” Kirn said.
The role involves comprehensive training on topics like substance abuse, stress reduction, and the “Question, Persuade, Refer” method for addressing suicidal ideation. Ambassadors also organize and lead events, such as therapy dog sessions and information tables in the Talley Student Union.
The program values diversity among its ambassadors to ensure representation of the entire student body.
“Our supervisors are excellent at selecting individuals who reflect our diverse community,” Kirn noted. “This diversity helps when we conduct interviews, create videos, or campaign on campus, making students feel represented.”
While ambassadors focus on peer mental health, they must also care for their own well-being. Sigmon ensures that ambassadors receive the support they need to balance their responsibilities.
“Christy and our other supervisors are great about allowing us to step back from projects if needed,” Kirn said. “They emphasize that our role as students comes first and maintaining that boundary is crucial.”
Griffin shared her experience of needing a break from her ambassador role. Her supervisors supported her during her time away, and she returned refreshed and ready to contribute.
“I regained my energy and received tremendous support from my supervisors,” Griffin said. “They helped me manage both schoolwork and ambassador duties effectively.”
One upcoming event, “Glow Up for Mental Health,” will be held on November 6 at Stafford Commons. The event will feature speeches, a neon dance party, and opportunities to learn about campus resources.
“Events like these bring students together for fun while promoting mental health awareness and breaking down stigma,” Griffin added.
