GLENVILLE — Glenville State College (GSC) is among several other higher education institutions in the Mountain State to receive grant funds from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System to improve student mental health.

As a recipient of one of the Campus Mental Health Grants, Glenville State College will receive $5,000 to increase awareness of resources, reduce stigma, and increase peer support for mental health and substance abuse.

“Evidence shows that peer support is a more effective format for helping those with mood disorders and other issues,” said Tim Underwood, GSC’s professional counselor. He and qualified students will train as organizers for peer-run support groups on campus. The grant will help pay for training and support materials for the meetings.

Underwood also plans to utilize the grant to survey students to better understand their needs, provide mental health resources, and host Mental Health Monday information sessions.

He also has plans for a “Stop the Stigma” awareness run in the spring. “We want to bring awareness to mental health issues, let students know about the help that is available, and know that there is nothing wrong with asking for that help,” Underwood added.

For more information about counseling services at Glenville State College, contact Underwood at Timothy.Underwood@glenville.edu or call (304) 462-6432.

Please note: If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, please call 911 or utilize other available resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling (800) 273-8255 (in English) or (888) 628-9454 (en español). The Crisis Text Line is also available 24/7 and can be accessed by simply texting “HELLO” to 741741; a crisis counselor can then provide you with support and information.