October 9, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer McDonald
Communications Manager
Central New Mexico Community College
(505) 224-4673
CNM's Mental Health Awareness Week Strives to Help Students
Central New Mexico Community College’s Mental Health Awareness Week will be Oct. 15-18 at four campus locations. The proactive effort allows students to be screened for warning signs of stress, depression, bipolar disorder and general anxiety disorder. Students can take self-scoring tests or work with a counselor.
This is the second Mental Health Awareness Week held at CNM. The pilot week was held in July and at that time 150 students were screened. During that time counselors found one student in crisis state and helped many others who were dealing with domestic violence, sexual abuse and depression.
Several community organizations and health professionals will be attending to offer support services to students. Spanish speaking translators will also be on hand. All student information is kept confidential.
“In our society today, we sometimes are afraid to speak the words ‘mental illness’ or address it in a positive fashion,” said CNM Dean of Students Rudy Garcia. “That’s why the idea to sponsor this event at CNM was discussed. Addressing mental health issues in a positive fashion may allow us to provide the necessary resources for students who otherwise may not know about them.”
Mental Health Awareness Week is the first activity of CNM’s Year of Civility, an initiative to have a positive impact on student behavior.
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