College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to continue its partnership with the Jed Foundation (JED) as an official JED Campus Alumni institution. This next phase builds on the College’s initial four-year JED Campus collaboration and reinforces CWI’s commitment to student emotional well-being, substance misuse prevention, and suicide prevention.
CWI joined the JED Campus program in 2022, launching a campus-wide effort to assess and strengthen mental health systems, policies, and resources. The national program provides colleges with tools, feedback, and strategic guidance to improve mental health support. Participation reflects CWI’s dedication to creating a safer, healthier campus community. Research from JED shows that colleges implementing comprehensive mental health strategies see measurable improvements in student well-being and a reduction in suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.
The progress achieved through CWI’s JED Campus partnership is the result of collaboration across departments. Co-chairs Jodi Hickenlooper and Chad Trisler guided work by interdisciplinary committees that included Christy Babcock, Yanet Nunez, Heather Grayson, Kae Jensen, Kim Reed, Jana McCurdy, Chelsea Risko, Amy Erbeck, Audrey Eldridge, Annie Estvold, Mel Henderson, and Tristan Lewis. Together, these teams focused on strategic planning, resource development, training, and coordination across campus.
While much of the work occurred behind the scenes, some initiatives directly supported the campus community:
- Supporting Students in Distress: A Guide for Mental Health Situations: This training helps faculty and staff recognize and respond to signs of student distress. A supplemental handout, Supporting Individuals in Distress, was also created.
- Expanded Access to Mental Health Resources: Free online mental health screenings and referrals are available through the Counseling and Wellness Services Mental Health web page.
As a JED Campus Alumni institution, CWI joins a national network of more than 380 schools and continues to have access to expert guidance, updated resources, and peer support. The College will maintain its focus on evidence-based strategies to support student well-being, substance misuse prevention, and suicide prevention, including programs funded through the SAMHSA Garrett Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant.
CWI remains committed to fostering a campus where every student feels supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.
