Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

College is a gateway to economic self-sufficiency, especially for first-generation students, yet many find the total costs of college exceed their expectations and abilities, negatively impacting health, retention and persistence. Students frequently endure challenges like hunger and homelessness along with under- or un-treated physical and mental health symptoms. The CSU Study of Student Basic Needs (Crutchfield & Maguire, 2018) is the most comprehensive mixed-methods study of university students’ prevalence of unmet food and housing needs, as well as relationships with health and academic outcomes ever completed within a 4-year higher education system. 41.6% of CSU students reported food insecurity and 10.9% of CSU students reported homelessness in the last 12 months. Qualitative data illustrate students’ experiences. Students with unmet basic needs also missed more days of school or work, often connected to health. Innovative practices are needed to promote health and wellbeing among students in ways that support their long-term success, and presenters will share information on two such programs: development and operation of a campus food program including a peer-educator managed food pantry, systematic collection and redistribution of catering leftovers, and targeted fund-raising, and, the free I CAN HELP Gatekeeper program used by a number of universities to increase wellness through both a reduction in risk factors for suicide and increased awareness of and appropriate helping behaviors among faculty, staff, and students related to health and other basic needs. We share key learning outcomes data and free resources participants can immediately take back to their own campus.