ALVA, Okla. – This spring, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee voted to launch a chapter of The Bandana Project on the campus of NWOSU. This is the sixth year since the project has started after the Bandana Project was founded on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus in January of 2016 with the help of a NAMI On Campus chapter.
"The Bandana Project is a simple yet innovative suicide prevention and mental health awareness movement. Members tie a lime-green bandana to their backpack, signifying they are in possession of region-specific and national resources. They pledge to support the mental health of those in their life, and reject stigma associated with mental illness."
"The Bandana Project has a proven history of sweeping through communities and changing climates of mental health by activating those who are already passionate about eliminating this stigma. For over six years, it has given participants in over 50 chapters the tangible resources that they desire and also recognize as needed. It works as a display against stigma on a grand scale, helps folks be more supportive of their own and others' mental health, and fosters conversations that change lives, one green bandana at a time" (https://www.thebandanaproj.org/page/about).
"In November, Ladasheray Bell and I had the opportunity to attend the SAAC Super Region Convention in Chicago. We learned about the Bandana Project from other schools that had implemented it on their campuses and we knew it was something we'd like to bring to Northwestern. Mental health awareness is something that our student-athletes and those around the country have overwhelmingly voiced as an area that needs to be addressed. It's something that we think our university takes very seriously and we felt bringing this project to campus would be a great opportunity to continue the discussion on the importance of mental health," stated Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance / Student Services Megan Patel.
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will begin distribution of the green bandanas and resource cards today, March 27, at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom, there will be a short training session led by Director of Counseling and Career Services, Taylor Wilson, Lecturer of Psychology, Mistie Kline, and Instructor of Psychology, Brooke Fuller. The speakers will focus on different topics, such as navigating conversations surrounding suicide, relaxation techniques, and addressing and recognizing anxiety. Training is not required to participate in the Bandana Project, but attendance is encouraged.
Following the training this evening, people interested in joining will be able to take the pledge and receive their bandana and resource cards. Additional opportunities to join will be available throughout the remaining semester.
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