The Healthy T-Birds Coalition met with Southern Utah University students for the third time this semester in a new way, giving campus police the opportunity to connect with students over a cup of hot cocoa. Designed to focus on mental health and substance abuse prevention, the event sought to bridge gaps between students and campus officers.
Lauren King, president of the Healthy T-Birds Coalition, said the event’s goal was to help students feel more comfortable reaching out for help to campus police.
“Our students do not always know where to find help or a resource. It gives them an opportunity to meet with the officers who are he
re to support them in a more relaxed, conducive manner,” she said.
The team included Police Chief Medina, a key partner in this collaboration who brought in his team with great resources and open arms.
“He is the type of guy who will help students and organizations any way he can,” King said.
While other officers interacted with students at the event, those patrolling the campus kept the peace.
“We have officers patrolling while we’re out here. You need not worry; those streets are safe,” said Police Officer John Hill.
Attendees thanked the coalition for having a safe space to learn about resources while making some friends. The event was a friendly reminder of support on campus if they ever needed help.
Along with building connections, the event also presented the many resources offered by campus police, such as counseling referrals and drug prevention programming. The goal was to help students feel informed and supported by their campus community.
The Healthy T-Birds Coalition members plan on holding their first-ever Health Week next semester. The week’s conclusion will be a resource fair with campus police, giving students yet another occasion to interact with the team and learn about their services.
This event reinforces the coalition’s work to care for students and create a more connected and safe campus for everyone.
Author: Amanda Flowers
Editor: Heather Turner
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
Photos by: Margaux Feret
life@suunews.net
