Published Sept. 5, 2023

Dear MSU Community,

At MSU we strive to create a culture of care and support for each other: Bobcats care about Bobcats. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and it's a perfect time to demonstrate that we care by showcasing our resources for mental health and wellness.

Suicide is a rare but tragic event. It is important that we work together to access professional help when needed--and even before it is needed.

The MSU Faculty Student Mental Health Advisory Committee has created the MSU Assist page, designed to provide a succinct online resource to support students who may be at risk of suicide, experiencing mental health distress or in need of campus mental health resources. There is an abundance of Mental Health & Wellness Programming provided on campus, including Counseling & Psychological Services, Health Advancement, and Campus Recreation.

One of the best ways in which we can help is to know how to recognize and refer someone who may be struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts. Our training options include in-person Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) training and online Kognito training. Details can be found on our suicide prevention training website.

MSU students who want to become more involved with mental health education can join the Suicide Prevention with Active Minds student organization. There is additional support through DISC, American Indian and Alaska Native Student Success, Veteran Services, and student organizations.

Free, confidential counseling for students is available on campus through Counseling & Psychological Services. Their team of excellent mental health professionals is there for our students, along with our dedicated medical providers at Student Health Services .

If you know of someone in crisis, help is available 24-7 through our University Police Department (911), the Bozeman Help Center (406-586-3333), and the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988).

We are proud of the comprehensive array of mental health services, prevention, and education available to our MSU community and I encourage you to take good care of your mental health.

Together, let's have a healthy and strong academic year.

Waded Cruzado

Waded Cruzado
President, Montana State University