For most students at any university, this is their first time being away from home and starting their independent adult life. One of the most important aspects of living independently is learning how to take care of yourself—mentally and physically. September 8 through September 14 is National Suicide Prevention Week and the University of Miami Counseling Center is hosting an awareness event for students to meet trusted peers and adults, and learn about provided resources. Counseling Outreach Peer Education (COPE) is comprised of a group of students that work to promote and share mental health resources for the University community. They work as the bridge between the student body and the professional staff members at the Counseling Center. Emily Connell, a graduate student employee at the Counseling Center, is now the advisor of COPE. Alongside Emily, are 31 undergraduate students that act as a peer educator. Peer educators go through a series of trainings that enhance professional and leadership skills to promote wellbeing for themselves and the student body.
In the 2022-2023 Healthy Minds Network Survey, it was reported that 14% of college students had seriously thought about attempting suicide in the past year. Connell herself is a campus ambassador for an organization that centers around the importance of this statistic, the Jordan Porco Foundation’s Nine out of Ten. “1 out of every 10 college students are contemplating to end their life, the other 9 can help,” Connell said when mentioning her role in the program. Connell uses her role as an ambassador to provide the student perspective to on-campus promotional events or decision making. Nine Out Of Ten Ambassadors like Emily are found across college and university campuses nationwide; if you are interested in the organization itself, check out their website here.
This year, Suicide Prevention Day is September 10 and COPE will be tabling by Lakeside Canopy from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. “This is my 5th suicide prevention day with COPE. It’s definitely the event our peer educators are most passionate about,” says Connell. COPE emphasizes the importance of not only knowing there is help for yourself, but there is help for a friend. At the event, fellow peers will be helping to inform you on suicide warning signs that you may see in a friend and showcasing their resources that center around mental health wellness.
If you want to learn more about the Counseling Center and the resources they offer, you can find more information here. If you are interested in becoming a Peer Educator with COPE, applications are found here and open on September 27, 2024. If you are worried about a friend, contact the Counseling Center immediately at 305-284-5511 to be connected to a counseling center professional or licensed therapist or fill out the form on the ‘Canes Care for Canes website.
