Gayle Lodato, Helen Ross McNabb Center senior director, and Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president, celebrate the new partnership between the two facilities
Chattanooga State Community College has entered into an agreement with the Helen Ross McNabb Center establishing a meaningful partnership between the agency and the college to put safeguards in place for the well-being of Chattanooga State students.
Statistics from the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network show that suicide is the second leading cause of death for college students and more than six percent report that they have seriously considered suicide over the past year. More disconcerting is that more than 90 percent of those students created a suicide plan, 14 percent actually attempted suicide, and 60 percent continue to have thoughts of suicide.
The Center has worked with Chattanooga State counselors for several years prior to entering into this formal understanding; however, “there is growing concern about the mental well-being of our students and we recognize that we can’t be everything to everyone,” said Michelle Kilgore, Student Support Center director.
The Helen Ross McNabb Center is a not-for-profit provider of behavioral health services in East Tennessee. Since 1948, the Center has provided quality and compassionate care to children, adults and families experiencing mental illness, addiction and social challenges.
“Today’s Memo of Understanding signing with Helen Ross McNabb and Chattanooga State is a significant win for our students and our community," said Dr. Rebecca Ashford, Chattanooga State president. "As more and more college students face mental health, substance abuse, and other social issues, we must partner with support organizations like Helen Ross McNabb to meet the needs of our students. I am grateful to Helen Ross McNabb for their service and leadership in our community and across the state in improving the lives of the people they serve.”
Helen Ross McNabb has provided more than 70 years of service to communities in East Tennessee and its mission remains clear and simple, “Improving the lives of the people we serve.”
As part of the College’s efforts to help more students stay in school and graduate, the Student Support Center at Chattanooga State provides help and resources to students needing assistance with academics, legal, relationship, abuse, food, housing, careers, health, insurance, financial, and transportation issues. Located in IMC-124, the center is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Call 697-4483 for assistance.