A Message from USC Student Health and University Mental Health Leaders
9/15/21
As you may already be aware, September is National Recovery Month—a time to promote and support the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of community members and service providers across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible, and new evidence-based recovery practices.
Now in its 32nd year, National Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in addiction and mental health recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
If you are holding an event, or just thinking about it, the National Recovery Month program organizers have several helpful resources for you. Recovery Month downloads and planning toolkit can help enhance your event and its promotion.
At USC, the Naloxone SC program can provide vital information and assistance to USC students in preventing overdoses or substances laced with fentanyl. Developed by the USC School of Pharmacy graduate students in CPNP, this website includes a video training on opioid reversal using naloxone—this training is available to all USC students, is free, and provides a free twin pack of Narcan-brand naloxone nasal spray and drug testing strips to all who complete the video training. An independent student-run social media account, https://twitter.com/usctaco, provides shareable content on understanding overdose prevention. Please help share the word about these programs. Access to information, training, test strips and naloxone can potentially save a life.
For faculty and staff who are interesting in trainings related to substance use among college students, USC Student Health offers a Gatekeeper Training program established by the Jed Foundation, the leading college mental health organization in the country. Contact studenthealth@usc.edu with the subject line “Gatekeeper training.” For those interested in the research and academic programs on addiction, The USC Institute for Addiction Science website provides valuable insight into the transdisciplinary scientific study of the nature, causes, consequences, prevention, and treatment of addiction-related problems.
For members of our community who are in recovery or reflecting on the impact of alcohol and other drugs on their lives, please know that treatment is effective and available for addiction and substance use disorders. Your mental health care provider or medical provider can help with a treatment plan. Student Health (counseling and medical services) are available to all students; make an appointment to talk to a counselor through MySHR, or call us at 213-740-9355 (WELL). For faculty and staff, the Center for Work and Family Life can provide guidance and assistance. The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life provides a home for 12-step recovery programs for all members of our community.
We celebrate the work of those in recovery, and offer hope, help, and support to all USC communities affected by alcohol and other drugs.
Broderick Leaks, PhD, Vice Chair for Student Mental Health in the Dept. of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC; Director of Counseling and Mental Health Services in USC Student Health
Steven Siegel, MD, PhD, Chair, Dept. of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of USC; Chief Mental Health and Wellness Officer, Keck Medicine of USC
Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, FACHA, Chief Health Officer, USC Student Health, Division Chief for College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC
