On the Topic of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
We asked Carolina students to help us better understand mental health challenges throughout North Carolina and the strategies communities are employing to address those challenges. Using publicly available information, like data and existing resources, they researched one of three prompts, then got creative in sharing their findings and ideas.
Three Top Teams Were Selected
Reducing Stigma Story Map
Team Members
- Anushna Parepalli, Biology & Psychology
- Naomi King, Pre-Nursing
- Camille Clark, Biology & Education
This story map illuminates the stigmas, stories, and research related to mental health and suicide prevention. The choice of this topic reflects a collective experience of struggling with these issues at various points in their lives. The creators aspire for others to recognize the tangible real-world consequences of these stigmas. Their hope is that, by fostering a sense of community and collaboration, these stigmas can be eradicated or, at the very least, diminished.
988 Video
Team Members
- Ngan Le, Chemistry
- Roshan Ragu, Biomedical Engineering
“988” was written with the hopes of showcasing the power of “someone sitting with you in the mud.” This saying comes from the concept of having a true companion provide a listening ear in one’s darkest hours. Through the song, the creators express their commitment to sitting with individuals in the mud until they feel empowered to seek more adequate help at 988.
The song sheds light on the dire circumstances of the accelerating suicide crisis across the United States, aiming to reveal the deep humanity behind those in need of help. The impact of suicide extends beyond the individual, affecting the community at large, especially in areas where local psychological resources may be challenging to access or nonexistent. Notably, 60% of counties across the United States lack a single psychiatrist. As the creators continue to build and advocate for stronger mental health systems, they seek to convey the transformative power of dialing 988, regardless of one’s location.
Ngan Le and Roshan Ragu co-wrote, co-produced, and co-edited this song. As students at UNC, they are not only learners but also friends, children, and creative souls who hold a deep love for their community. Their commitment to mental health stems from a genuine care for the well-being of others.
Adolescent Firearm Suicide Poster
Team Members
- Annika Kruse, MPH Maternal, Child, and Family Health
- Emily Hathcock, MPH Health Policy and Management
- Callie Rockey, MPH Health Behavior
- Breanna Johnson MPH Equity
This poster focuses on adolescent suicide by firearms in rural North Carolina, exploring its connections to broader public health issues like firearm injury and mental health resource accessibility. Emphasizing the impact of stigma in rural areas, the collection of information invites viewers to reflect on the challenges surrounding mental health care access and potential interventions.
Explore 2024 Submissions
Thank you to the 19 teams who participated in the 2024 POV Challenge! All student submissions will be shared with Our State, Our Wellbeing teams as they work in communities across North Carolina to improve mental health and prevent suicide.
Who Participated?
28 undergrad and 17 graduate
MPA
Anthro
Comp Sci
Studio Art
Stats
Economics
IS
MPH
HB
Maternal
HPM
Equity
History
Neuro
SILS
MEJO
Public Policy
Latin American Studies
Psych
Interdis.
Chem
BME
Bio
Nursing
Education
Bio and Health IS
Submission Formats
Storymap
Dance
Podcast
Cartoon strip
Data dashboards
Infographic
Commercial
Stickers
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