The University of Texas at San Antonio campus (UTSA) is in shock this morning following the confirmed death of a student apparently by suicide. An incident was reported this morning around 9 o’clock near the Bauerle Road Garage on the main campus. A heavy police presence was observed at the scene, where officials were dealing with the situation. The second suspected student suicide at UTSA since May has left the university stunned and brought to attention the increasing advocacy for mental health awareness.
In a statement, UTSA President Taylor Eighmy declared: “With a heavy heart, I’m writing to share that we’ve lost a member of our doctoral student community, likely by suicide. Such a loss is always a painful reminder of the importance of normalizing difficult conversations around mental health. No one is alone.”. He urged students to reach out and let them know that there are available resources and that at all hours of the day or night, students can use those resources.
The university highlighted its array of mental health services. UTSA students can access counseling through Wellness 360, TimelyCare, and a 24/7 crisis line at (210) 458-4140. More added support exists for all faculty and staff with the iConnectYou app and Employee Assistance Program.
President Eighmy’s message also included a commitment to keeping a supportive campus. He reminded the UTSA community that loss can be extreme and may affect people differently, especially when it is unanticipated. Eighmy and the university administration are not going to let this ever happen again by fostering greater awareness of mental health, and resources to offer preventive measures for such tragedies in the future.
This reminds students, staff, and faculty to lean on one another as they seek to take advantage of some support services available to help them navigate a very difficult period.
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