Clark Atlanta University

The Clark Atlanta University GLS Campus Suicide Prevention Initiative will help the University community develop a suicide protocol, provide suicide prevention training to school stakeholders and establish a network of community health professionals to expand our capacity to meet the mental health needs of our students. Clark Atlanta University (CAU) is a Historically Black, Private institution located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. CAU is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and has a current enrollment of approximately 3600 students. The purpose of the proposed project is to integrate and coordinate suicide prevention activities across multiple sectors and settings within the Clark Atlanta University campus community. The student body is comprised of 45% in state students, 51% out of state students, and 4% international students. A large majority of international students on campus are originally from Saudi Arabia and have chosen to attend CAU through a partnership that exists between CAU and the Saudi government. Close to 80% of the International students have completed the coursework needed to speak, read, and write the English language. The student body is also 74% female and 26% male. Currently, no data regarding sexual orientation or gender identity is collected by CAU but anecdotally; there is a large population of students who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender. There are currently 50 students on campus with documented disabilities and approximately 30 students identified as receiving military benefits. The objectives of the proposed project are to:

(1) develop a suicide prevention plan that will engage students, faculty, staff and administrators; and

(2) establish a network of community health professionals to develop a sustainable campus-wide support structure to counter the prejudice, silence and denial that can prevent individuals from seeking help.