Health and Wellness Education

Catamount Wellness Ambassadors are students leaders who serve as liaisons between Health and Wellness Education and WCU students to promote health and wellbeing on campus. CWAs deepen their understanding of health and wellness topics while gaining important leadership skills such as public speaking and program planning.

• Assist the Assistant Director with planning, promoting, and implementing health and wellness programs, initiatives, and events 
• Participate in outreach presentations and tabling events
• Promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage healthy behaviors on campus as peer health educators

• Enhance professional and leadership skills 
• Gain extensive knowledge about health and wellness
• Develop skills in public speaking and program planning
• Become certified in Mental Health First Aid and as a Peer Health Educator

• Attend biweekly team meetings
• Plan one program per year with assistance from the Assistant Director for Health and Welllness Education
• Assist with the implementation of 3 programs per semester
• Create one social media post related to wellness per year

Complete the online application!

In accordance with Western Carolina University’s Policy #38, which is consistent with the requirements of the Code of the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina (the “Code”) and UNC Policy 1300.1, the University Board of Trustees adopts this Policy to address such threats to the integrity of the University community and to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.

• Drug Free Schools and Campuses Biennial Review Report
• Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program (DAAPP) Report

The Alcohol and Other Drugs Committee (AODC) is responsible for developing and executing an annual plan to address alcohol and other drug issues. The AODC works collaboratively to promote other Health and Wellness initiatives on campus.

Alcohol Awareness Week is a fun, engaging, and meaningful way for students to learn about alcohol. The week focuses on harm reduction and busting the myths associated with college drinking. Alcohol Awareness Week is held the week of Halloween every year.

Interested in exploring your relationship with alcohol? e-CHECKUP TO GO is a free and confidential online survey tool that will provide instant personalized feedback, including a custom BAC (blood alcohol content) chart, how much money you spend on drinks each month, and helpful strategies if you would like to change your drinking habits. It takes 20-30 minutes to complete and it's available to the entire WCU community.

BASICS is an evidence-based program that is designed to help college students assess their alcohol-related decisions.

The BASICS program uses a harm-reduction approach designed to:

• Help you explore your alcohol use in a non-judgmental setting
• Reduce risky behavior and harmful consequences of alcohol abuse
• Identify changes that could help you reduce your risk
• Provide important information and skills for risk reduction

LEARN MORE ABOUT BASICS AND E-CHECKUP TO GO

Please Note: This is not therapy or substance use treatment. Professionals facilitating these sessions are not substance-misuse professionals or licensed clinical therapists.

One in five Americans experience a mental health disorder in a single year and almost half of all American adults will experience a mental illness during the course of their lifetime. Mental Health First Aid aims to:

• Addresses common mental health concerns
• Reduces stigma
• Teaches strategies to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges and provide support
• Offers self-help strategies for staying mentally well

Mental Health First Aid requires approximately 2 hours of self-paced pre-work and 6 hours of in-person training. You may sign up for a scheduled training as an individual or request a training for your group or organization. Please keep in mind that participants signing up for a scheduled training are required to register 72 hours prior to the start of their selected training. Requests for a training for a group or organziation must be submitted 30 days prior to the preferred training date.

REGISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among college students. If you are concerned about someone you know, it is important to ask the question: "Are you thinking about suicide?" In this 75-minute training, participants will learn:

• Warning signs and symptoms of suicide
• When to ask about suicide
• How to ask the question
• What to do after asking the question
• On-campus and community resources

Trainings are available for organizations, staff, clubs, classes, residence halls, and more.

REGISTER FOR ASK THE QUESTION

An in-depth overview of the Health & Wellness Unit, including Campus Recreation and Wellness, Counseling & Psychological Services, Health and Wellness Education, and Health Services. Students will participate in an assessment based on the Elements of Wellness.

REQUEST A PRESENTATION

This interactive presentation will dicuss ways to ensure a healthy, happy, and successful experience at WCU through the seven elements of wellness (Emotional, Environmental, Intellectual, Occupational, Physical, Social, Spiritual). Students will explore and discover on-campus and local resources to support each area of wellness.

REQUEST A PRESENTATION

This presentation provides students with an overview of alcohol education focused on harm reduction and safer choices. Students will receive information on standard drinks, BAC, the positive and negative consequences of consuming alcohol, misconceptions related to alcohol, what to do if you suspect that someone has alcohol poisoning, and resources for support related to substance misuse.

REQUEST A PRESENTATION

This presentation is meant to provide insight on campus policies and procedures that relate to gameday tailgating. We also include harm-reduction tips and tricks to keep students healthy and happy.

REQUEST A PRESENTATION