Author: y688s553@wichita.edu

Health, Outreach, Prevention and Education (HOPE) Services is offering a free two-hour Suspenders4Hope® Promoting Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide training at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Student Wellness Center Hope Hub in the Steve Clark YMCA designed to help participants identify, understand and respond to the warning signs of suicide.

Through this evidence-informed course, attendees will learn how to recognize when someone may be struggling, intervene with confidence and compassion, and connect individuals to appropriate support and resources.

Whether you are a student, employee, family member or community member, this training provides practical skills that can help create a safer and more supportive campus and community.

Join HOPE Services, Student Engagement and Belonging, Student Health Services, and other campus and community resources from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15 on the first floor of the Rhatigan Student Center, for a wellness and social services fair.

Visit tables along the first floor of the RSC to get information, resources and freebies. By attending and participating, you could win an espresso machine, ice cream machine or countertop ice maker.

Join HOPE Fest 2026 from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Rhatigan Student Center courtyard. Connect with fellow students, faculty, staff and community members while supporting mental health, suicide prevention and recovery.

Participate in a campus walk at 10:30 a.m., build your own Hope Kit by collecting wellness resources from participating organizations and explore the Recovery Roots Market featuring handcrafted items from vendors with lived recovery experience. HOPE Fest is free and open to everyone.

Together, everyone can build connections, share hope and strengthen the community’s commitment to mental wellness.

September is Suicide Awareness Month. Wear your Suspender4Hope® shirts on Fridays to support mental health awareness and join in normalizing the practice of prioritizing mental health care without guilt or shame.

WSU employees and students can get their free shirt by completing a Suspender4Hope WSUWeSupportU Mental Wellness and Preventing Suicide training either in-person or online.

Free, online mental health and wellness screenings are available to all at wichita.edu/freescreen.

Check out issue 18 of the myShockerHealth newsletter. Monthly, the Student Health Services newsletter provides relevant health information and wellness tips for WSU students and staff.

For this issue, learn more about:

• Adult vaccines
• Sun fatigue, heat safety
• Coffee and heart health
• Tick awareness
• Employee Corner

You can find all previous issues on the Student Health website.

Faculty and staff are invited to join a weekly mindful meditation group hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Human Resources and Staff Senate. Through guided meditation, mindful breathing and moments of quiet reflection, participants can reduce stress, improve focus and cultivate a greater sense of balance and well-being. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to slow down and be present.

The group will meet at the Rhatigan Student Center patio from 10:30 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday, June 2-July 28. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat or blanket.

For more information, email Ben Flowers at benjamin.flowers@wichita.edu.

Student Health Services provides annual HealthQuest physical exams and lab work. If you are WSU staff and faculty, do not have a primary care provider and currently have private insurance through WSU, you can schedule yours today. Call to schedule your appointment at 316-978-4792.

Check out issue 18 of the myShockerHealth newsletter. Monthly, the Student Health newsletter provides relevant health information and wellness tips for WSU students and staff.

For this issue, learn more about:

• Strength training
• Benefits of yoga
• Swimming for your health
• Working out while in bed
• Massage therapy on campus
• Harmful algae in lakes
• Moving together as a family
• Employee appointment opportunities and services

You can find all previous issues on the Student Health website.

Faculty and staff are invited to join a weekly 45-minute wellness run hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Human Resources, and Staff Senate. Participants are encouraged to adjust distance, pace and intensity based on their individual needs and comfort levels. Pacing groups will be offered when possible, with the goal of encouraging movement, wellness and connection in a supportive environment.

Interested? Meet at 4 p.m. every Wednesday at the Rhatigan Student Center patio from June 3 through July 29.

For more information, email Ben Flowers at benjamin.flowers@wichita.edu.

Faculty and staff are invited to join a weekly mindful meditation group hosted by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Human Resources and Staff Senate. Through guided meditation, mindful breathing and moments of quiet reflection, participants can reduce stress, improve focus and cultivate a greater sense of balance and well-being. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to slow down and be present.

The group will meet at the Rhatigan Student Center patio from 10:15 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday, June 2-July 28. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat or blanket.

For more information, email Ben Flowers at benjamin.flowers@wichita.edu.