STATEHOUSE (Oct. 23, 2023) — A group of undergraduate students from Valparaiso University presented their research on mental health services for first responders to the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health and Human Services Wednesday, Oct. 18.
The group spoke to the committee members and answered questions about their findings relating to mental health services for first responders, specifically focusing on suicide prevention. The presentation included recommended best practices to help improve services, as well as a deep-dive into what other states have recently implemented.
The students are part of the Valparaiso University Department of Social Work, led by Program Director and Assistant Professor Caroline Ban.
"This was more than just a class project," Ban said. "Social work is about advocating for the well-being of families and communities, human rights and social justice. This group was truly dedicated to ensuring their topic was thoroughly researched and had the most accurate information they could find before speaking to the committee."
Graduates of the social work program have gone on to work for a variety of different types of first responders, including the Porter County Sheriff's Department and the Valparaiso Police Department.
"I am extremely proud of these students for making the trip down to Indianapolis to share their findings with the committee members," Charbonneau said. "As chair of the committee, I've seen many presentations and this group really impressed me with their articulation, organization and professionalism. I always appreciate seeing students applying their knowledge in ways that can impact people throughout the state, and I look forward to seeing these students help shape legislation in the future."
To view the archived video footage of the presentation, click here.
To learn more about Valparaiso University's social work program, click here.
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Contact: Emma Balzer, Senior Press Secretary
Emma.Balzer@iga.in.gov
317-232-7184
