Suicide is personal, but it is also a public health issue that affects schools, communities, and families. By improving a student-athlete’s understanding of mental health and suicide prevention, they can be a key partner in the effort to prevent suicides by recognizing and connecting with individuals at risk for suicide and displaying warning signs.

The VitalCog for Student-Athletes program trains student-athletes to appreciate the critical need for suicide prevention while creating an opportunity for open conversations and resources in athletics and schools. Our vision is to cultivate a community of student-athletes who aspire to eliminate the devastating impact of suicide.

Strategy and Approach

  • Build a network of individuals to provide guidance on suicide prevention and intervention
  • Provide evidence-based and relevant training to raise awareness and to increase capacity, confidence, and competence in suicide prevention, mental health support, and resiliency
  • Promote a culture to aspire to a “zero-suicide” mindset through safe and effective communication and engagement

Goals

  • Reduce stigma and raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention
  • Promote open dialogue around mental health wellness
  • Encourage help-seeking and help-giving behaviors

1.5- to 2-hour VitalCog: Suicide Prevention for Student-Athletes

In this training, participants will engage with videos, in group discussions, and in practice sessions to raise awareness and create a better understanding of their role in suicide prevention.

Pre-Game: Why Athletics?

Discuss resiliency and protective factors within athletics

Get in the Game: Identify Risk and Signs

Discuss risk factors and warning signs as they pertain to student-athletes through the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Change the Game: Conversations around Suicide

Discuss the value (and necessity) in having direct conversations about suicide

To schedule, please contact Alex Yannacone at Alexandra.yannacone@cuanschutz.edu.