Step Up and Speak Out is a collaborative effort of Kent State University Counseling and Psychological Services, CARES Center, the Office of the Dean of Students, and Police Services.
Step Up and Speak Out is a collaborative effort of Kent State University facilitated by the CARES Center in partnership with Counseling and Psychological Services, CARES Center, the Office of the Dean of Students and Police Services and intended to better educate university community members on how to assist distressed or disruptive individuals. All campuses have a response guide specific to each location. The response guide will assist you with recognizing behavioral signs and symptoms ranging from minimal risk to urgent situations requiring immediate assistance. Additionally, all Kent State students have access to a crisis text line and a 24-hour support and crisis call line to provide evening and weekend triage service and referrals.
Download the KSUMobile app for quick access to Step Up Speak Out resources. Within the app, find Step Up Speak Out under 'Campus Utilities.'
To request a training session or additional information for your academic department or administrative unit, please contact the CARES Center at 330-672-7575.
"It's our campus.
It's our community.
We're all responsible."
Mental health issues are an increasing concern on college campuses across the country, with faculty and staff thrust into the role of “first responders” to crises and other difficult situations. Step Up and Speak out was created to assist you in making choices when responding to individuals experiencing emotional distress, and those at-risk for suicide who may exhibit disruptive behavior. Kent State University is fully committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our campus community, and you can play a major role in this effort. Helping those in need not only strengthens our community, but it is an integral part of keeping the campus safe and ensuring that individuals in need can be linked to appropriate services and resources.
STEP UP AND SPEAK OUT GOALS
- Increase awareness of and ability to identify individuals at risk for suicide or other mental health concerns among Kent State University students, faculty and staff.
- Increase help-seeking behaviors, by reducing the stigma associated with counseling and increasing awareness of available mental health resources.
- Decrease barriers to treatment by referring individuals to an appropriate resource.
- Further cultivate a culture of caring throughout the Kent State University community.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions about the Step Up and Speak Out campaign, please contact the CARES Center at carescenter@kent.edu. Please note that this email address is not monitored 24-hours per day, and should not be used as a mental health resource. We provide additional resources for immediate suicide prevention support.
Adapted with permission from The Ohio State University
