Wright State Cares

A new online tool is available that Wright State University community members can use to refer students and coworkers who are struggling to get the help they need.

Through Wright State Cares, faculty, staff and students can share non-urgent concerns about a student or employee who may appear distressed or whose behavior is disruptive.

Individuals may also self-report if they are not ready to talk to peers or colleagues.

The reporting form is accessible at wright.edu/cares and at the bottom of most wright.edu webpages.

After receiving the report, the Wright State CARE Team reviews the information to ensure a timely and coordinated response. The office deemed most appropriate for finding support will contact the individual of concern. Someone will also reach out to the person who submitted the report.

Reports may be shared with the individual of concern or other university staff, and information about concerns for university employees is shared with Human Resources.

The CARE Team includes Destinee Biesemeyer, associate director of student advocacy and wellness; Gretchen Rentz, director of student affairs at the Lake Campus; and Rebecca Cornell, a business partner in Human Resources.

The reporting tool is designed to shorten the time it takes to connect someone with resources that can help them, Biesemeyer said.

The CARE form is intended for non-urgent matters. In an emergency that involves the possible imminent risk of harm to self or others, contact Wright State Police at 937-775-2111 or 911 before submitting the form. Anyone who is unsure whether a situation is an emergency should contact Wright State Police.

The Wright State Cares webpage also listed practical tips to provide support to someone dealing with a difficult or stressful situation:

• Have a conversation with the person to express your concerns.
• Encourage them to utilize the support available to them.
• Offer to assist them in contacting support resources.
• Make calls together to Raider Cares at 937-775-4567 or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-227-6007.
• Consult with campus resources about options for support.
• Notify the CARE Team when more support is needed than you can provide.

The CARE reporting tool is part of Wright State’s efforts to create a culture of concern and care.

The Presidential Mental Health Task Force continues to offer Mental Health First Aid and wellness training programs to give employees and students the resources they need to talk about mental health and refer students and coworkers who need help.

Wright State is collaborating with Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio to offer Mental Health First Aid training, which teaches participants how to identify and respond to signs of mental illness or substance use problems and help connect someone in need to the appropriate care.

Wright State is also working with the JED Foundation Campus Program to develop a mental health strategic plan, which will include policy recommendations, a comprehensive resource library and education campaigns and programs.

The program is an initiative of the JED Foundation, which helps colleges and universities evaluate and strengthen their mental health, substance misuse and suicide prevention programs and systems.

Services available to students, faculty and staff

All Wright State students have access to Raider Cares, a 24-hour crisis phone service, at 937-775-4567.

Students can seek confidential therapeutic services through Counseling and Wellness Services by calling 937-775-3407. Students may schedule an initial appointment by visiting wright-cw.titaniumhwc.com and selecting the “Schedule Initial Appointment” button.

Counseling services are available to Lake Campus students in 187 Andrews Hall. Students should contact Kim Altstaetter at kimberly.altstaetter@wright.edu or 419-586-0398 to schedule an appointment.

The Office of Student Advocacy and Wellness helps students overcome obstacles that may negatively impact their academic experience. Students in need of help may call 937-260-0167, the office’s 24/7 support service, or schedule an in-person appointment with an advocate.

Wright State’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides support services for all faculty and staff regardless of benefit eligibility. EAP services are provided at no cost to employees and include 24/7 telephone access to licensed and experienced counselors (call 800-227-6007), in-person counseling sessions and work/life balance services. Information on how to access services is available on the Human Resources website.