West Virginia University student leaders have joined the Advisory Council of Students, which is composed of student government representatives from each of West Virginia’s public colleges and universities, in launching the West Virginia Green Bandana Initiative to shine a brighter light on student mental health.
Through the initiative, students who complete mental health training this spring receive green bandanas that, when displayed on their backpacks or elsewhere, signal to other students that they are open to talking and are a source of support.
Amaya Jernigan, WVU student body president, and other members of the Student Government Association, encourage fellow students to participate in the campaign and the opportunity for peer-level mental health training.
“Serving as the vice-chairperson of the ACS has allowed me to hear from higher education leaders across the state and a common concern has been finding a solution to improve mental health resources on campuses,” Jernigan said. “WVU SGA values mental health and we strive to support our peers on campus who may need us.”
Through the West Virginia Collegiate Initiative to Advance Healthy Campus Communities, certified trainers are facilitating the training opportunities. In total, 30 trainings have been made possible, including a virtual session held at WVU in early March. Additional sessions may be scheduled based on interest.
Jernigan said that this work will not end with her administration and that the incoming SGA leadership has committed to advocating for the mental wellbeing of students at WVU.
Learn more about campus mental health resources at mentalhealth.wvu.edu.