Introduction
Students at USU Blanding can receive mental health support from peer leaders. Utah State University at Blanding has launched a peer mental health network to encourage students to seek resources and services, providing culturally relevant care.
The Background
Until 2023, USU Blanding lacked an on-campus counseling and psychological services office, limiting students’ access to mental health care. The university became a JED Foundation Campus in 2020, highlighting several needs including screening and wellness days, shorter waits for off-campus therapists, and peer mentoring.
How It Works
The Peer Mental Health Support Network consists of four peer ambassadors with different roles. They organize events, provide one-on-one wellness support, and create awareness through workshops and social media. Peer mentors earn $15 an hour and work around 20 hours a week, gaining expertise in mental health support and career development.
Lessons Learned
Flexibility with work hours and accommodating breaks for students’ own mental health is crucial. Weekly team meetings include mental health and academic check-ins. Maintaining funding is a priority, with students focusing on data entry and presentation for grant management.
The Impact
A collegewide survey revealed:
- 90% of students know where to go for mental health support.
- 50% feel they can talk to peers about hard topics.
- 47% have struggled with mental health in the past.
- 25% had felt down within the past two weeks.
- 15% felt they were doing poorly with mental health.
Future plans include more early outreach for events and integrating campus staff and faculty into the offerings.
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