The UNI Counseling Center offered a safe place to escape the cold on Wednesday, Jan. 23.

Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) provided hot cocoa, cookies and most importantly, conversation at their “Cocoa & Counseling” event.

At 4:30 p.m., the doors opened to a stream of students. They were greeted with friendly smiles from counseling staff: a mix of psychologists, mental health counselors, counseling and social work interns, practicum counselors and support staff.

After filling their cups and grabbing their cookies, students were given a tour of the Counseling Center. They were shown how it is a safe space where someone can go to communicate their feelings and stresses with complete confidence and confidentiality.

Sarah Rasing, NISG mental health director and junior English teaching major, put this event together in hopes that her fellow students would get to see the place she cares so much about. Her goal for this event was for students to feel more comfortable with this space and the staff who are there to help them.

“As director of mental health for the Northern Iowa Student Government, I am working to bridge the gap between the student government and the Counseling Center along with all the organizations on campus, like Active Minds and To Write Love on Her Arms,” Rasing said.

Rasing’s role is to support these groups in any way that she can. Once she gathers their leaders across campus, they can bring in students of all identities and experiences to talk about mental health.

Rasing has several initiatives planned for the Panthers. She is working to have people QPR-trained across the university. QPR training stands for Question, Persuade and Refer and is led by Brian Nissen, UNI’s suicide prevention educator.

According to the QPR Institute’s website, QPR includes three suicide-prevention steps that could help save a life, similar to how those trained in CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver save thousands of lives annually. Those trained in QPR are able to recognize suicide warning signs and know how to “question, persuade and refer someone to help.”

The goal is to have leaders at UNI trained in this ability. Student organizations are perfect for this practice because of their close connection to many students. Because of this goal, many NISG representatives were present at the event.

Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for people aged 15 through 24, according to the Suicide Awareness Voices of Education’s website.

“More than 80 percent of college students felt overwhelmed by all they had to do in the past year and 45 percent have felt things were hopeless,” states the Chadron State College Behavior Intervention Team on their website, citing the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

All UNI students are welcome at the Counseling Center. The support service is covered by students’ mandatory health fee. A 24/7 crisis text line is also available for those who text “HELLO” to 741741.