Giving Tuesday (December 1)

Support NSU Giving Tuesday and shed a light on mental health and suicide prevention

NSU will once again participate in Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2020. Giving Tuesday is a worldwide campaign that focuses on the social, emotional, and financial needs of communities around the globe.

This year, NSU’s goal is to fundraise $100,000 and reach at least 1,000 donors in 24 hours. While funds can support any college, program, or area at NSU, there will be a focus on fundraising for the COVID-19 Student Support Fund, Mental Health Awareness, and Suicide and Violence Prevention.

COVID-19 Student Support Fund

Earlier this year, thousands of NSU students applied for financial assistance from the Federal CARES Act and the COVID-19 Student Support Fund. While many applicants were able to receive help, there are still many students who continue to reach out to NSU administrators regarding food insecurities. The COVID-19 Student Support Fund – comprised only of philanthropic gifts – helps students in need.

Mental Health Awareness

Likewise, many students suffer from stress, anxiety, and more when dealing with hardships that were brought on from the pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, a survey taken from June 2020 to August 2020, showed that “30% reported disruptions to access for medications for mental, neurological and substance use disorders” as a related result of COVID-19.

The Psychology Services Center at NSU has been a standing resource to all residents of the South Florida area including children, adolescents, adults, and elderly clients. The clinics, which specialize in areas ranging from anxiety to psychotherapy, have continued to see patients during these tough times in both virtual and in-person formats.

Suicide and Violence Prevention

With the upcoming holidays, increased isolation can exacerbate suicidal thoughts and violence. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention states that suicide is, “the 10th leading cause of death for all Americans. Each year, more than 36,000 people take their own lives. In addition, more than 374,000 are treated in emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries.”

At the NSU Office of Suicide and Violence Prevention, faculty and staff continue to support crisis prevention efforts, with a focus on suicide prevention. Staff is continuously devoted to creating a safety net at NSU to help prevent suicide and violence. From sharing presentations of warning signs and providing resources to help, NSU is dedicated to healing – together.

There will be several ways to give including online at tinyurl.com/NSUGivingTuesday, via text (keyword “NSU” to 41444), payroll deduction for NSU employees, or in-person at the University Center. The first 500 donors to give $25 or more may elect to receive two NSU-branded face masks.

Any and all donations will be accepted no matter the amount. Donors will have the option of choosing where the area they’d like to support.

Have questions regarding Giving Tuesday? Interested in starting a “match” gift? Please reach out to NSU Alumni Relations & Annual Giving at annualfund@nova.edu or (954) 262- 2118.

Sources:

https://www.who.int/news/item/05-10-2020-covid-19-disrupting-mental-health-services-in-most-countries-who-survey

https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide/holiday.html

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