Prevention Starts with Connection | Well-Being at MSU Podcast 010

This episode discusses mental health and suicide prevention. Although our guests will avoid talking about traumatic events, some may find this episode activating. Listener discretion is advised. Students on campus can call the CAPS crisis line at 517-355-8270 and Press 1 to talk to someone immediately. Anyone else in the United States can call or text 988 to speak to the national crisis line. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. In this episode of the Well-Being at MSU Podcast, host Dr. Alexis Travis, Senior Associate Vice President for University Health and Wellbeing at Michigan State University, leads an important conversation about suicide prevention, mental health, community care, and the role each of us can play in supporting one another. The panel discusses mental health among Gen Z students, the importance of proactive check-ins, breaking down stigma across cultures and communities, increasing accessibility to support services, and empowering students to help others through peer connection and training programs like QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and Fresh Check Day. [This video features five people sitting at a table in a podcast studio talking. No major information is given visually via graphics.] Guest Bios: Mike Andrade is a Graduate Student in the Student Affairs Administration program at Michigan State University and a Research Assistant at University Health and Well-Being. Inspired by his work supporting students with autism spectrum disorder and promoting mental health awareness through CAPS as an undergraduate, he is committed to encouraging open dialogue about mental health and advocating for students facing personal challenges in education. Trinity McGhee is a third-year student majoring in psychology with a minor in African American studies. This is Trinity's second year participating as a CAPS ambassador. Dr. Olivia Scott, Ph.D., is the Assistant Director of Outreach and Community Engagement for Counseling and Psychological Services. She joined MSU CAPS as a Staff Psychologist in 2019. Mudita Jagota is a Ph.D. student in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Michigan State University, specializing in disability and rehabilitation, and is also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. Drawing from her experiences as a wheelchair user, counselor, researcher, and disability advocate, she is passionate about promoting mental health and well-being, fostering inclusive and accessible communities, and creating spaces where individuals feel supported, connected, and empowered.