New Vitae Wellness and Recovery Connects with Widener University Students to "Shatter the Stigma"

On October 25th, New Vitae Wellness and Recovery offered a presentation to Widener University students designed to assist with suicide prevention, promote stress management, and facilitate peer-to-peer connections for better behavioral health.  The event, entitled, “Shatter the Stigma,” was co-sponsored by two of Widener’s student organizations: the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and Active Minds, a student-led campus behavioral health advocacy group.

William Leiner, MS, RN, BC delivered the presentation to approximately 50 students.  Following a review of suicide myths, risk factors, and protective factors, Leiner discussed a number of personal stories of families and friends impacted by the loss of a loved one through suicide.  The group also reviewed ways to assist friends and roommates who may be experiencing behavioral health challenges.  The evening ended with a call to action to support one another to reduce suicide among college students.

Active Minds team members were on-hand to distribute literature addressing stigma, stress and anxiety management, and offer on-campus and local behavioral health contacts to ensure students have access to behavioral health and addiction resources.  New Vitae Wellness and Recovery wishes to thank our sponsors, student leaders, and participants for sharing an important discussion and working to reduce the stigma that can be associated with behavioral health services!